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THE 

FIFTY-SEVENTH  VOLUME 

Of     THE 

ENGLISH    POETS; 

CON  TT  A  1  N  I  N  G 

A  M  B  R  0  S  E^'  PHILIPS 

AND 

WE        S       T. 


Vol.  LVII, 


PASTORALS, 
EPISTLES,     ODES, 


N   D      OTHER 


ORIGINAL       POEMS, 

WITH     TRANSLATIONS     FROM 

PINDAR,  ANACREON,  AND  SAPPHO. 
BY    AMBROSE    PHILIPS,    ESQUIRE. 

"  — —  hie  caeftus  artemque  repono."    Vi  r.c» 


Vol.  LVn. 


t     3     3 

TO      HIS      GRACE 

THOMAS,   DUKE    OF   NEWCASTLE. 

MY      LORD, 

'TpHE  honours  of  your  ancieat  and  illuftrious  fa- 
mily,  which  that  noble  writer,  Algernon  Sidney, 
places  among  the  firft  in  thefe  kingdoms  for  preroga- 
tive of  birth,  the  titles  which  you  have  long  worn  with 
diftinguiflied  luftre,  and  the  high  ftation  which  you 
have  many  years  filled,  and  now  fill,  in  the  government, 
give  your  Grace  a  jufl  preheminence  in  the  commu- 
nity ;  but  they  are  excellencies  of  a  more  exalted  kind 
to  which  this  tribute  of  my  refpecl  is  paid.  Your  early 
zeal  in  the  caufe  of  liberty,  which  manifefled  itfelf 
at  the  clofe  of  a  late  reign,  when  the  vvoril  of  fchemes 
were  promoted  againil  this  nation  by  the  worll  of  men, 
the  affociation  (of  which  I  had  the  honour  to  be  an 
humble  member)  into  which  you  then  entered,  with 
fome  others,  eminent  for  their  birth,  fortune,  and 
knowledge,  for  fecuring  the  fucceflion  of  the  houfe  of 
Hanover  to  the  throne  of  thefe  kingdoms,  your  tafte 
of  ufeful  and  polite  literature,,  and  the  encouragement 
which  you  have  been  always  ready  to  give  to  it,  your 
friendly  regard  to,  and  connection  with,  that  uni- 
verfity  which  has  been  the  nurfe  of  the  greatefl  ftatef- 
men,  heroes,  philofophers,  and  poets,  of  Englifh 
growth,  and  the  open  liberality  of  your  heart  on  all 
B  2  laudable 


4  DEDICATION. 

laudable  occafions,  muft  give  you  a  place  in  the  affec- 
tions of  all  Englifhmen  v/ho  know  the  interell  of  their 
native  country :  and  to  thofe  virtues,  more  than  to  the 
private  friendfhip  with  .which  your  Grace  has  long 
honoured  me,  I  make  this  offering  of  the  few  poetical 
Pieces,  which  were  the  produce  of  my  leifure,  but  feme 
of  my  moll;  pleafant,  hours  :  your  Grace  will  be  able 
to  diftinguifh  thofe  wliich  have  been  printed  before, 
from  thofe  which  now  make  their  firft  appearance  :  and 
I  number  among  the  felicities  of  my  days  this  oppor- 
tunity of  approaching  you  with  fomething  perhaps  not 
unworthy  your  acceptance  ;  and  I  have  the  honour  to 
be. 

My  Lord, 

Your  Grace's 

moft  devoted,  obliged, 

and  mofl  humble  fervant, 

April,  1748. 

AMBP.OSE    PHILIPS. 


PASTO- 


C     5     ] 


PASTORAL     POEMS, 


Noftra,  nee  erubuit  fylvas  habitare,  Thalia." 

ViR'G.  Eel.  vl.  2. 


PREFACE. 

"T  T  is  fomewhat  ilrange  to  conceive,  in  an  age  fo  ad- 
■■•  dided  to  the  Mufes,  how  Paftoral  Poetry  comes  to 
be  never  fo  much  as  thought  upon ;  confidering  efpe- 
cialiy,  that  it  is  of  the  greateft  antiquity,  and  hath  ever 
been  accounted  the  foremoft,  among  the  fmaller  poems, 
in  dignity,  Virgil  and  Spenfer  made  ufe  of  it  as  a 
prelude  to  Epic  Poetry :  but,  I  fear,  the  innocency  of 
the  fubjeft  makes  it  fo  little  inviting. 

There  is  no  kind  of  Poem,  if  happily  executed,  but 
gives  delight ;  and  herein  may  the  Pafloral  boaft  after 
a  peculiar  manner :  for,  as  in  Painting,  fo  in  Poetry, 
the  country  affords  not  only  the  moll  delightful  fcenes 
and  profpefts,  but  likewife  the  moft  pleafmg  images 
of  life. 

Gaffendus  (I  remember)   obferves,    that  Peirefkius 

was  a  great  lover  of  mufic,  efpecially  the  melody  of 

birds  :  becaufe  their  fimple  ftrains  have  lefs  of  paffion 

B  3  and 


6  PREFACE. 

and  violence,  but  more  of  a  fedate  and  quiet  harmony  ; 
and,  therefore,  do  they  rather  befriend  contemplation. 
In  like  manner,  the  Paftoral  Song  gives  a  fweet  and 
gentle  compofure  to  the  mind ;  whereas  the  Epic  and 
Tragic  Poems,  by  the  vehemency  of  their  emotions, 
raife  the  fpirits  into  a  ferment. 

To  view  a  fair  ftately  palace,  ftrikes  us  indeed  with 
admiration,  and  fwells  the  foul  with  notions  of  gran- 
deur :  but  when  I  fee  a  little  country-dv/elling,  advan- 
tageoufly  fituated  amidft  a  beautiful  variety  of  hills, 
meadows,  fields,  woods,  and  rivulets,  I  feel  an  un- 
fpeakable  fort  of  fatisfaftion,  and  cannot  forbear  wifhing 
my  kinder  fortune  would  place  me  in  fuch  a  fweet  re- 
tirement. 

Theocritus,  Virgil,  and  Spenfer,  are  the  only  Poets 
who  feem  to  have  hit  upon  the  true  nature  of  Pafto- 
ral Compofitions :  fo  that  it  will  be  fufficient  praife 
for  me,  if  L  have  not  altogether  failed  in  my  attempt. 


THE 


i    7    ] 


THE      FIRST      PASTORAL. 


L  O  B  B  I  N. 

TF  we,  O  Dorfet,  quit  the  city-throng, 

■*■  To  meditate  in  fhades  the  rural  fong, 

By  your  command,  be  prefent :  and,  O  bring 

The  Mufe  along  !   The  Mufe  to  you  fhall  fmg  :         ^ 

Her  influence,  Buckhurft,  let  me  there  obtain. 

And  I  forgive  the  fam'd  Sicilian  Swain. 

Begin. — In  unluxurious  times  of  yore. 
When  flocks  and  herds  were  no  inglorious  ftore,         8 
Lobbin,  a  fliepherd-boy,  one  evening  fair. 
As  weltern  winds  had  cool'd  the  fultry  air. 
His  number'd  flieep  v/ithin  the  fold  now  pent. 
Thus  plain'd  him  of  his  dreary  difcontent ;  12 

Beneath  a  hoary  poplar's  whifpering  boughs. 
He,  folitary,  fat  to  breathe  his  vows. 
Venting  the  tender  anguifli  of  his  heart. 
As  paflion  taught,  in  accents  free  of  art :  16 

And  little  did  he  hope,  while,  night  by  night. 
His  fighs  were  lavifli'd  thus  on  Lucy  bright. 

"  Ah,  vv'eil-a-day  !  how  long  mult  I  endure 
"  This  pining  pain  ?  Or  who  fliall  fpeed  my  cure  ?  20 
"  Fond  love  no  cure  will  have,  feek  no  repofe, 
"  Delights  in  grief,  nor  any  meafure  knows : 
"  And  now  the  moon  begins  in  clouds  to  rife  ; 
"  The  brightening  ftars  increafe  within  the  fiiies ;     24 
B  4  «  The 


8         A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

"  The  winds  are  hufli ;  the  dews  diftil ;  and  deep 

"  Hath  clos'd  the  eyelids  of  my  weary  fheep  : 

"  I  only,  with  the  prowling  wolf,  conftrain'd 

"  All  night  to  wake :  with  hunger  he  is  pain'd,         28 

"  And  1,  with  love.     His  hunger  he  may  tame  ; 

*'  But  who  can  quench,  O  cruel  Love,  thy  flame  ? 

"  Whilom  did  I,  all  as  this  poplar  fair, 

"  Up-raife  my  heedlefs  head,  then  void  of  care,       32 

"  'Mong  ruftic  routs  the  chief  for  wanton  game ; 

"  Nor  could  they  merry  make,  till  Lobbin  came, 

"  Who  better  feen  than  1  in  fhepherds'  arts, 

"  To  pleafe  the  lads,  and  win  the  lafles'  hearts  !       36 

"  How  deftly,  to  mine  oaten-reed  fo  fweet, 

"  Wont  they,  upon  the  green  to  fnift  their  feet  ? 

"  And,  weary'd  in  the  dance,  how  would  they  yearn 

«  Some  well-devifed  tale  from  me  to  learn  ?  40 

"  For  many  fongs  and  tales  of  mirtli  had  I, 

"  To  chace  the  loitering  fun  adov/n  the  fky  : 

"  But,  ah  !   fmce  Lucy  coy,  deep-wrought  her  fpight 

*'  Within  my  heart,  unmindful  of  delight  44 

"  The  jolly  grooms  I  fly,  and,  all  alone, 

"  To  rocks  and  woods  pour  forth  my  fruitlefs  moan. 

"  Oh  !   quit  thy  wonted  fcorn,  relcntlefs  Fair  ! 

"  Ere,  lingering  long,  I  periih  through  defpair.        48 

"  Had  Rofalind  been  mifrrefs  of  my  mind, 

"  Though  not  fo  fair,  Ihe  would  liave  prov'd  more  kind. 

"  O  think,  unwitting  maid,  while  yet  is  time, 

"  How  flying  years  impair  thy  youthful  prime  1       52 

"  Thy  virgin-bloom  will  not  for  ever  flay, 

"  And  flowers,  though  left  ungather'd,  will  decay  : 

«  The 


PASTORALS.  9 

^'  The  flowers,  anew,  returning  feafons  bring  ! 
"  But  beauty  faded  has  no  fecond  fpring.  56 

"  My  words  are  wind  !   She,  deaf  to  all  my  cries, 
"  Takes  pleafure  in  the  mifchief  of  her  eyes. 
"  Like  frifeing  heifer,  loofe  in  flowery  meads, 
"  She  gads  where'er  her  roving  fancy  leads ;  60 

"  Yet  ftill  from  me.     Ah  me,  the  tirefome  chace  ! 
"  Shy  as  the  fawn,  fhe  flies  my  fond  embrace. 
"  She  flies,  indeed,  but  ever  leaves  behind, 
*'  Fly  where  flie  will,  her  likenefs  in  my  mind.  64 

"  No  cruel  purpofe,  in  my  fpeed,  I  bear ; 
"  'Tis  only  love ;  and  love  why  fliould'lt  thou  fear  ? 
"  What  idle  fears  a  maiden-breafl:  alarm  ! 
"  Stay,  fimple  girl :  a  lover  cannot  harm.  68 

*'  Two  fportive  kidlings,  both  fair-fleck'd,  I  rear;    ^ 
"  Whofe  fliooting  horns  like  tender  buds  appear  : 
"  A  lambkin  too,  of  fpotlefs  fleece,  I  breed, 
"  And  teach  the  fondling  from  my  hand  to  feed  :     72 
"  Nor  will  I  ceafe  betimes  to  cull  the  fields 
"  Of  every  dewy  fweet  the  morning  yields  : 
"  From  early  fpring  to  autumn  late  flialt  thou 
"  Receive  gay  girlonds,  blooming  o'er  thy  brov/  :  76 
"  And  when, — But,  why  thefe  unavailing  pains  ? 
"  The  gifts,  alike,  and  giver,  flie  difdains  : 
"  And  now,  left  heirefs  of  the  glen,  flie'U  deem 
"  Me,  landlefs  lad,  unworthy  her  efl:eem  :  80 

"  Yet,  was  flie  born,  like  me,  of  fliepherd-fire; 
"  And  I  may  fields  and  lowing  herds  acquire. 
"  O  !  would  my  gifts  but  win  her  wanton  heart, 
"  Or  could  I  half  the  warmth  I  feel  impart,  84 

"  How 


lo      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

"  How  would  I  wander,  every  day,  to  find 

"  The  choice  of  wildings,  blulhing  through  the  rind  ! 

"  For  glofTy  plumbs  how  lightfome  climb  the  tree, 

"  How  rifk  the  vengeance  of  the  thrifty  bee  !  88 

"  Or  !  if  thou  deign  to  live  a  fhepherdefs, 

"  Thou  Lobbin's  flock,  and  Lobbin,  fhalt  pofTefs : 

"  And,  fair  my  flock,  nor  yet  uncomely  I, 

"  If  liquid  fountains  flatter  not;  and  why  92 

"  Should  liquid  fountains  flatter  us,  yet  fliow 

«  The  bordering  flowers  lefs  beauteous  than  they  grow  r 

"  O  !  come,  my  love ;  nor  think  th'  employment  mean, 

"  The  dams  to  milk,  and  little  lambkins  wean,         96 

"  To  drive  a-field,  by  morn,  the  fattening  ewes, 

"  Ere  the  warm  fun  drink-up  the  cooly  dews, 

«  While,  with  my  pipe,  and  with  my  voice,  I  chear 

«  Each  hour,  and  through  the  day  detain  thine  ear.  100 

"  How  would  the  crook  befeem  thy  lily-hand  ! 

"  How  would  my  younglings  round  thee  gazing  ftand  ! 

«  Ah,  witlefs  younglings  !  gaze  not  on  her  eye  : 

«  Thence  all  my  forrow  ;  thence  the  death  I  die.    104 

"  O,  killing  beauty  !  and  O,  fore  defire  ! 

"  Muft  then  my  fufFerings,  but  with  life,  expire  ? 

"  Though  bloflToms  every  year  the  trees  adorn, 

"  Spring  after  fpring  I  wither,  nipt  with  fcorn  :      loS 

"  Nor  trow  I  when  this  bitter  blaft  will  end, 

"  Or  if  yon  fl:ars  will  e'er  my  vows  befriend. 

«  Sleep,  fleep,  my  flock ;  for  happy  ye  may  take 

"  Sweet  nightly  refl:,  though  ftill  your  mafler  wake."  1 1 2 

Now  to  the  waning  moon,  the  nightingale. 
In  flender  warblings,  tun'd  her  piteous  tale, 

6  The 


PASTORALS.  11 

rhe  love-fick  Shepherd,  liilenhig,  felt  relief, 
Pleas'd  with  fo  fweet  a  partner  in  his  grief,  j  16 

Till,  by  degrees,  her  notes  and  filent  night 
To  numbers  foft  his  heavy  heart  invite. 


THE     SECOND     PASTORAL, 
THENOT,     COLINET. 

T   H    E    N    O    T. 

TS  it  not  Colinet  I  lonefome  fee, 

■■-  Leaning  with  folded  arms  againft  the  tree  ? 

Or  is  it  age  of  late  bedims  my  fight  ? 

'Tis  Colinet,  indeed,  in  woeful  plight-  4 

Thy  cloudy  look,  why  melting  into  tears, 

Unfeemly,  now  the  fky  fo  bright  appears  ! 

Why  in  this  mournful  manner  art  thou  found, 

Unthankful  lad,  when  all  things  fmile  around  ?  S 

Or  hear'ft  not  lark  and  linnet  jointly  fmg. 

Their  notes  blithe -warbling  to  falute  the  fpring  ? 

Colinet. 
Though  blithe  their  notes,  not  fo  my  wayward  fate  ; 
Nor  lark  would  fing,  nor  linnet,  in  my  ftate.  1 2 

Each  creature,  Thenot,  to  his  tafk  is  born. 
As  they  to  mirth  and  mufic,  I  to  mourn. 
Waking,  at  midnight,  I  my  woes  renew. 
My  tears  oft'  mingling  with  the  falling  dew.  i6- 

Thenoto. 


12      A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

T    H    E    N    O    T. 

Small  caufe,  I  ween,  has  lufty  youth  to  plain  : 

Or  who  may,  then,  the  weight  of  eld  fuftain. 

When  every  flackening  nerve  begins  to  fail. 

And  the  load  preffeth  as  our  days  prevail  ?  20 

Yet,  though  with  years  my  body  downward  tend. 

As  trees  beneath  their  fruit,  in  autumn,  bend ; 

Spite  of  my  fnowy  head,  and  icy  veins. 

My  mind  a  chearful  temper  ftill  retains  :  24 

And  why  fliould  man,  mifnap  what  will,  repine, 

Som-  every  fweet,  and  mix  with  tears  his  wine  i' 

But  tell  me,  then  :  it  may  relieve  thy  woe. 

To  let  a  friend  thine  inward  ailment  know.  28 

C   O   L    I    N    E    T. 

Idly  'twill  wafte  thee,  Thenot,  the  whole  day, 
Shouldft  thou  give  ear  to  all  my  grief  can  fay. 
Thine  ewes  will  wander  ;  and  the  heedlefs  lambs. 
In  loud  complaints,  require  their  abfent  dams.  32 

Thenot. 
See  Lightfoot ;  he  fhaU  tend  them  clofe  :  and  I, 
'Tween  whiles,  acrofs  the  plain  will  glance  mine  eye. 

C  o  L   I    N   E   T. 
Where  to  begin  I  know  not,  where  to  end. 
Does  there  one  fmiling  hour  my  youth  attend  !         36 
Though  few  my  days,  as  well  my  follies  fhow. 
Yet  are  thofe  days  all  clouded  o'er  with  woe  : 
No  happy  gleam  of  funfhine  doth  appear. 
My  lowering  fky,  and  wintery  months,  to  cheer.     40 
My  piteous  plight  in  yonder  naked  tree, 
WTiich  bears  the  thunder-fear,  too  plain  I  fee  : 

Quite 


PASTORALS.  13 

Quite  deftitute  it  ftands  of  fhelter  kind. 

The  mark  of  llorms,  and  fport  of  every  wind  :         44 

The  riven  trunk  feels  not  th'  approach  of  fpring ; 

Nor  birds  among  the  ieaflefs  branches  fmg : 

No  more,  beneath  thy  fhade,  Hiall  fliepherds  throng. 

With  jocund  tale,  or  pipe,  or  pleafing  fong.  48 

Ill-fated  tree  !  and  more  ill-fated  I  ! 

From  thee,  from  me,  alike  the  fhepherds  fly, 

T   H    E    N   O   T. 

Sure  thou  in  haplefs  hour  of  time  waft  born. 
When  blighting  mildews  fpoil  the  rifing  corn,  52 

Or  blaiHng  winds  o'er  blofTom'd  hedge-rows  pafs. 
To  kill  the  promis'd  fruits,  and  fcorch  the  grafs. 
Or  when  the  moon,  by  wizard  charm'd,  forefhovvs, 
Blood-ftain'd  in  foul  eclipfe,  impending  woes.  56 

Untimely  born,  ill-luck  betides  thee  ftill. 

C   O    L    I    N    E    T. 

And  can  there,  Thenot,  be  a  greater  ill  ? 

T  H    E    N   0   T. 
Nor  fox,  nor  wolf,  nor  rot  among  our  Iheep, 
From  this  good  fliepherd's  care  his  flock  may  keep  :  60 
/vgainft  ill-luck,  alas  !   all  forecail  fails  ; 
Nor  toil  by  day,  nor  watch  by  night,  avails. 

C   0    L    I    N    E    T. 

Ah  me,  the  while  !   ah  me,  the  lucklefs  day  ! 
Ah,  lucklefs  lad  !   befits  me  more  to  fay.  64 

Unhappy  hour  !   when,  frelh  in  youthful  bud, 
1  lefc,  Sabrlna  fair,  thy  filvery  flood. 
Ah,  filly  I  !   more  filly  than  my  flieep, 
Wl^oii  on  thy  flowery  banks  I  v/ont  to  keep.  68 

Sweet 


14      A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Sweet  are  thy  bauks  !   Oh,  when  fliall  I,  once  more. 

With  ravifh'd  eyes  review  thine  ameli'd  fhore  ? 

When,  in  the  cryftal  of  thy  water,  fcan 

Each  feature  faded,  and  my  colour  wan  ?  72 

When  ihall  I  fee  my  hut,  the  fmall  abode 

Myfelf  did  raife,  and  cover  o'er  with  fod  ? 

Small  though  it  be,  a  mean  and  humble  cell. 

Yet  is  there  room  for  peace  and  me  to  dwell.  76 

T   H    E    N   o   T. 

And  what  enticement  charm'd  thee,  far  away 
From  thy  lov'd  home,  and  led  thy  heart  allray  ? 

C  o   L    I    N    E    T. 

A  lewd  defire,  ftrange  lads  and  fwains  to  know  : 
Ah,  God  !  that  ever  1  fhould  covet  woe  !  80 

With  wandering  feet  unbleft,  and  fond  of  fame, 
i  fought  I  know  not  what  befides  a  name. 

T  H   E    N  o  T. 

Or,  (both  to  fay,  didft  thou  not  hither  roam 

In  fearch  of  gains  more  plenty  than  at  home  ?  84 

A  rolling -ftone  is,  ever,  bare  of  mofs ; 

And,  to  their  coft,  green  years  old  proverbs  crofs. 

C  O   L    I    N    E   T. 

Small  need  there  was,  in  random  fearch  of  gain. 
To  drive  my  pining  flock  athwart  the  plain,  88 

To  diftant  Cam.     Fine  gain  at  length,  I  trow. 
To  hoard  up  to  myfelf  fuch  deal  of  woe  ! 
My  iheep  quite  fpent,  through  travel  and  ill- fare. 
And,  like  their  keeper,  ragged  grown  and  bare,      92 
The  damp,  cold  greenfward,  for  my  nightly  bed. 
And  fome  flant  willow's  trunk  to  reft  my  head. 

Hard 


PASTORALS.  15 

Hard  is  to  bear  of  pinching  cold  the  pain  ; 

And  hard  is  want  to  the  unpradlis'd  fwain :  96 

But  neither  want,  nor  pinching  cold,  is  hard. 

To  blafting  ftorms  of  calumny  compar'd : 

Unkind  as  hail  it  falls ;  the  pelting  Ihower 

Deftroys  the  tender  herb,  and  budding  flower.        100 

T   H    E    N   o   T. 

Slander  we  fhepherds  count  the  vilelt  wrong  : 
And  what  wounds  forer  than  an  evil  tongue  ? 

C  o   L    I    N    E   T. 

Untoward  lads,  the  wanton  imps  of  fpite. 

Make  mock  of  all  the  ditties  I  indite.  104 

In  vain,  O  Colinet,  thy  pipe,  fo  fhrill. 

Charms  every  vale,  and  gladdens  every  hill : 

In  vain  thou  feek 'ft  the  coverings  of  the  grove. 

In  the  cool  Ihade  to  fmg  the  pains  of  love  :  108 

Sing  what  thou  v/ilt,  ill-nature  will  prevail ; 

And  every  elf  hath  fkill  enough  to  rail : 

But  yet,  though  poor  and  artlefs  be  my  vein, 

Menalcas  feems  to  like  rny  fimple  ftrain :  112 

And,  while  that  he  delighteth  in  my  fong. 

Which  to  the  good  Menalcas  doth  belong. 

Nor  night,  nor  day,  fhall  my  rude  mufic  ceafe  ; 

I  afk  no  more,  fo  I  Menalcas  pleafe.  1 16 

T  H    E    N   o  T. 

Menalcas,  lord  of  thefe  fair  fertile  plains, 
Preferves  the  fheep,  and  o'er  the  fhepherds  reigns  : 
For  him  our  yearly  wakes,  and  feafts,  we  hold. 
And  choofe  the  faireft  firftlbg  from  the  fold  ;         1 20 

He, 


i6       A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

He,  good  to  all,  who  good  deferve,  fhall  give 

Thy  flock  to  feed,  and  tliee  at  eafe  to  live. 

Shall  curb  the  malice  of  unbridled  tongues. 

And  bounteoufly  reward  thy  rural  fongs.  124 

C   O    L    I    N    E    T. 

Firft,  then,  fhall  lightfome  birds  forget  to  fly. 

The  briny  ocean  turn  to  paftures  dry. 

And  every  rapid  river  ceafe  to  flow. 

Ere  I  unmindful  of  Menalcas  grow.  1 28 

T    H    £    N    o   T. 

This  night  thy  care  with  me  forget ;  and  fold 
Thy  flock  with  mine,  to  ward  th'  injurious  cold. 
New  milk,  and  clouted  cream,  mild  cheefe  and  curd. 
With  fome  remaining  fruit  of  laft  year's  hoard,       132 
Shall  be  our  evening  fare,  and,  for  the  night. 
Sweet  herbs  and  mofs,  which  gentle  fleep  invite : 
And  now  behold  the  fun's  departing  ray. 
O'er  yonder  hill,  the  fign  of  ebbing  day  :  136 

With  fongs  the  jovial  hinds  return  from  plow; 
And  unyok'd  heifers,  loitering  homeward,  low. 

THE      THIRD      PASTORAL. 

ALBINO. 

"1T7HEN  Virgil  thought  no  fname  the  Doric  reed 
~  '      To  tune,  and  flocks  on  Mantuan  plains  to  feed. 
With  young  Augufl:us'  name  he  grac'd  his  fong  : 
And  Spenfer,  when  amid  the  rural  throng  4 

He 


PASTORALS.  17 

He  cnroi'd  fweet,  and  graz'd  along  the  flood 

Of  gentle  Thames,  made  every  founding  wood 

With  good  Eliza's  name  to  ring  around  ; 

Eliza's  name  on  every  tree  was  found  :  8 

Since  then,  through  Anna's  cares  at  eafe  v/e  live. 

And  fee  our  cattle  unmolelled  thrive. 

While  from  our  illbion  her  viftorious  arms 

Drive  wafteful  warfare,  loud  in  dire  alarms,  iz 

Like  them  will  I  my  flender  mufic  raife. 

And  teach  the  vocal  valleys  Anna's  praife. 

Meantime,  on  oaten  pipe  a  lowly  lay. 

As  my  kids  brov/fe,  obfcure  in  (liades  I  play :  16 

Yet,  not  obfcure,  v/hile  Dorfct  thinks  no  fcorn 

To  vifit  woods,  and  fvvains  ignobly  born. 

Two  valley  fvvains,  both  mufical,  both  ycung. 
In  friendship  mutual,  and  united  long,  20 

Retire  within  a  moffy  cave,  to  fiiun 
The  crowd  of  iliepherds,  and  the  noon -day  fun. 
A  gloom  of  fadnefs  overcafts  their  mind": 
Revolving  now,  the  folemn  day  they  find,  24 

When  young  Albino  died.     His  image  dear 
Bedews  their  cheeks  with  many  a  trickling  tear  : 
To  tears  they  add  the  tribute'  of  their  verfe  ; 
Thefe  Angelot,  'chofe  Palin,  did  rehearfe.  28 

A   N    G    E    L  o   T. 

Thus,  yearly  circling,  by-paft  times  return ; 
And  yearly,  thus.  Albino's  death  we  mourn. 
Sent  into  life,  alas  !  hov/  fhort  thy  ftay  : 
How  fweet  the  rofe  !   how  fpeedy  to  decay  !  32 

Vol.  LVIL  C  Can 


i8-      A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

Can  we  forget,  Albino  dear,  thy  knell. 

Sad-founding  wide  from  every  village  bell  ? 

Can  we  forget  how  forely  Albion  moan'd, 

That  hills,  and  dales,  and  rocks,  in  echo  groan'd,  36 

Prefaging  future  woe,  when,  for  our  crimes. 

We  loft  Albino,  pledge  of  peaceful  times. 

Fair  boaft  of  this  fair  Ifland,  darling  joy 

Of  nobles  high,  and  every  Ihepherd-boy  ?  40 

No  joyous  pipe  was  heard,  no  flocks  were  feen. 

Nor  fhepherd  found  upon  the  grafly  green. 

No  cattle  graz'd  the  field,  nor  drank  the  flood. 

No  birds  were  heard  to  warble  through  the  wood.    44. 

In  yonder  gloomy  grove  out-ftretch'd  he  lay 

His  lovely  limbs  upon  the  dampy  clay  ; 

On  his  cold  cheek  the  rofy  hue  decay'd. 

And,  o'er  his  lips,  the  deadly  blue  difplay'd :  48 

Bleating  around  him  lie  his  plaintive  flieep. 

And  mourning  fliepherds  come,  in  crowds,  to  weep. 

Young  Buckhurft  comes  :  and,  is  there  no  redrefs  ? 

As  if  the  grave  regarded  our  diftrefs  !  5  2 

The  tender  virgins  come,  to  tears  yet  new. 

And  give,  aloud,  the  lamentations  due. 

The  pious  mother  comes,  with  grief  oppreft  : 

ye  trees,  and  confcious  fountains,  can  atteft  56 

With  what  fad  accents,  and  what  piercing  cries. 

She  fill'd  the  grove,  and  importun'd  the  fkies. 

And  every  ft:ar  upbraided  with  his  death. 

When,  in  her  widow'd  arms,  devoid  of  breath,        60 

She  clafp'd  her  fon  :  nor  did  the  Nymph,  for  this. 

Place  in  her  darling's  welfare  all  her  blifs. 

Him 


PASTORALS.  19 

Him  teaching,  young,  the  harmlefs  crook  to  wield. 

And  rule  the  peaceful  empire  of  the  field.  64 

As  milk-white  fwans  on  llreams  of  filver  fhow. 

And  filvery  ftreams  to  grace  the  meadows  flow. 

As  corn  the  vales,  and  trees  the  hills  adorn. 

So  thou,  to  thine,  an  ornament  was  born.  68 

Since  thou,  delicious  youth,  didlt  quit  the  plains, 

Th'  ungrateful  ground  v/c  till  with  fruitlefs  pains. 

In  labour'd  furrows  fow  the  choice  of  wheat. 

And,  over  empty  Iheaves,  in  harveft  fweat,  72 

A  thin  increafe  our  fleecy  cattle  yield  ; 

And  thorns,  and  thiilles,  overfpread  the  field. 

How  all  our  hope  is  fled,  like  morning-dew  ! 

And  fcarce  did  we  thy  dawn  of  manhood  view.         76 

Who,  now,  fliall  teach  the  pointed  fpear  to  throw. 

To  whirl  the  fling,  and  bend  the  fliubborn  bow. 

To  tofs  the  quoit  with  fleady  aim,  and  far. 

With  fmewy  force,  to  pitch  the  mafiy  bar  ?  Pl^ 

Nor  dofl:  thou  live  to  blefs  thy  mother's  days. 

To  fliare  her  triumphs,  and  to  feel  her  praife. 

In  foreign  realms  to  purchafe  early  fame. 

And  add  new  glories  to  the  Britifli  name :  84 

O,  peaceful  may  thy  gentle  {pirit  reft  ! 

The  flowery  turf  lie  light  upon  thy  breafl:  ; 

Nor  flirieking  owl,  nor  bat,  thy  tomb  fly  round. 

Nor  midnight  goblins  revel  o'er  the  ground.  88 

P    A    L    I    K. 

No  more,  miftakcn  Angelot,  complain  : 
Albino  lives ;  and  all  our  tears  are  vain  : 

C  2  Albino 


-o      A.    P  H  1  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

Albino  lives,  and  will  for  ever  live. 
With  myriads  mixt,  who  never  know  to  grie\e,       g^ 
Who  welcome  every  ftranger-gueft,  nor  fear 
Ever  to  mourn  his  abfence  with  a  tear. 
Where  cold,  nor  heat,  nor  irkfome  toil  annpy. 
Nor  age,  nor  ficknefs,  comes  to  damp  their  joy  :     96 
And  now  the  royal  Nymph,  who  bore  him,  deigiis 
The  land  to  rule,  and  fhield  the  fimple  fvvains. 
While,  from  above,  propitious  he  looks  down : 
For  this,  the  welkin  does  no  longer  frown.  100 

Each  planet  fhines,  indulgent,  fi-om  his  fphere. 
And  we  renew  our  pallimes  with  the  year. 
Hills,  dales,  and  woods,  with  fhrUling  pipes  refound : 
The  boys  and  virgins  dance,  with  chaplets  crown'd,  104. 
And  hail  Albino  blefl; :  the  valleys  ring 
Albino  bleft  !  O  now,  if  ever,  bring 
The  laurel  green,  the  fmelling  eglantine, 
IJcid  tender  branches  from  the  mantling  vine,         loS 
The  dewy  cowflip,  which  in  meadow  grows^ 
The  fountain-violet,  and  the  garden-rofe, 
Marfli-lilies  fweet,  and  tufts  of  daffodil. 
With  what  ye  cull  from  wood,  or  verdant  hill,        112 
Whether  in  open  fun,  or  (hade,  they  blow. 
More  early  fome,  and  fome  unfolding  flow. 
Bring,  in  heap'd  canifters,  of  every  kind. 
As  if  the  fummer  had  with  fpring  combin'd,  1 16 

And  Nature,  forward  to  aflill:  your  care. 
Did  not  profufion  for  Albino  fpare. 
Your  hamlets  ilrew,  and  every  public  way ; 
And  confecrate  to  mirth  Albino's  day  :  120 

Myfelf 


PASTORALS.  ?i 

Myfelf  will  lavHh  all  my  little  flore. 

And  deal  about  the  goblet  flowing  o'er : 

Old  Moulin  there  fhall  harp,  young  Myco  fmg. 

And  Cuddy  dance  the  round  amid  the  ring,  1 24 

And  Hobbinol  his  antic  gambols  play : 

To  thee  thefe  honours,  yearly,  will  we  pay  : 

Nor  fail  to  mention  thee  in  all  our  chear. 

And  teach  our  children  the  remembrance  dear,       12S 

When  we  our  fliearing-fealt,  or  harveft  keep. 

To  fpeed  the  plow,  and  blefs  our  thriving  fheep. 

Wliile  willow  kids,  and  herbage  lambs  purfue. 

While  bees  love  thyme,  and  locuft  fip  the  dew,       132 

While  birds  delight  in  woods  their  notes  to  ftrain. 

Thy  name  and  fwee:  memorial  fliall  remain. 

THE     FOURTH     PASTORAL. 
MYCO,    A  R  G  O  L. 

M  Y  c  o- 
'T'HI  S  place  may  feem  for  fliepherd's  leifure  made, 

'*■     So  clofe  thefe  elms  inweave  th^ir  lofty  fhade  ; 
The  twining  woodbine,  how  it  climbs ;  to  breathe 
Refrefhing  fweets  around  on  all  beneath;  4 

The  ground  with  grafs  of  chearful  green  befpread. 
Through  which  the  fpriaging  flov/er  up-rears  the  head  : 
Lo,  here  the  kingcup  of  a  golden  hue, 
Medly'd  with  daifies  white  and  endive  blue,  8 

And  honeyfuckles  of  a  purple  die, 
Confufion  gay  !  bright  waving  to  the  eye. 

C  3  Hark, 


*4      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Hark,  how  they  warble  in  that  brambly  bulh. 

The  gaudy  goldfinch,  and  the  fpeckly  thrufh,  12 

The  linnet  green,  with  others  fram'd  for  fklll. 

And  blackbird  fluting  through  his  yellow  bill : 

In  fprightly  concert  how  they  all  combine. 

Us  prompting  in  the  various  fongs  to  join  :  16 

Up,  Argol,  then,  and  to  thy  lip  apply 

Thy  mellow  pipe,  or  voice  more  founding  try : 

And  fince  our  ewes  have  graz'd,  what  harms  if  they 

Lie  round  and  liften  while  the  lambkins  play  ?  20 

Argol. 

Well,  Myco,  can  thy  dainty  v/it  exprefs 
Fair  Nature's  bounties  in  the  faireft  drefs  : 
'Tis  rapture  all  !   the  place,  tlie  birds,  the  fky  ; 
And  rapture  works  the  finger's  fancy  high.  24. 

Sweet  breathe  the  fields,  and  now  a  gentle  breeze 
Moves  every  leaf,  and  trembles  through  the  trees  : 
111  fuch  incitements  fuit  my  rugged  lay. 
Befitting  more  the  mufic  thou  canft  play.  28 

M  V  c  o. 

No  fkill  of  mufic  kon  I,  fimple  fwain. 

No  fine  device  thine  ear  to  entertain  : 

Albeit  fome  deal  I  pipe,  rude  though  it  be. 

Sufficient  to  divert  my  fheep  and  me  ;  32 

Yet  Colinet  (and  Coiinet  hath  fkill) 

Oft  guides  my  fingers  on  the  tuneful  quill. 

And  fain  would  teach  me  on  what  founds  to  dwell. 

And  where  to  fink  a  note,  and  v.'hcre  to  fwell.  36 

Argol. 


PASTORAL   S.  23 

A   R    G   O   L. 

Ah,  Myco  !  half  my  flock  would  I  beftow. 

Should  Colinet  to  me  his  cunning  fliow  : 

So  trim  his  fonnets  are,  I  pr'ythee,  fvvain. 

Now  give  us,  once,  a  fample  of  his  ftrain  :  40 

For  wonders  of  that  lad  the  fliepherds  fay. 

How  fweet  his  pipe,  how  raviihing  his  lay  ! 

The  fweetnefs  of  his  pipe  and  lay  rehearfe  ; 

And  aflc  what  boon  thou  willeft  for  thy  verfe.  44 

Myco. 
Since  then  thou  lift,  a  mournful  fong  I  chufe : 
A  mournful  fong  relieves  a  mournful  Mufe. 
Fall  by  the  river  on  a  bank  he  fate. 
To  weep  the  lovely  maid's  untimely  fate,  48 

Fair  Stella  hight :  a  lovely  maid  was  flie, 
Whofe  fate  he  wept,  a  faithful  fliepherd  he. 

A-xvake,  my  pipe  ;  iii  every  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet'' s  dijlrcfs.  52 

"  O  woeful  day  !   O,  day  of  woe  to  me  ! 
"  That  ever  I  fliould  live  fuch  day  to  fee  ! 
"  I'hat  ever  Hie  could  die  !   O,  mofl:  unkind, 
«  To  go  and  leave  thy  Colinet  behind  !  56 

"  From  blamelefs  love,  and  plighted  troth  to  go, 
«  And  leave  to  Colinet  a  life  of  woe  !" 
.    A'-wake,  my  pipe  ;  in  e-very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet's  dijire/s.  60 

"  And  yet,  why  blame  I  her  !   Full  fain  would  fhe 
"  With  dying  arms  have  clafp'd  herfelf  to  me  : 

C  4  "I  clafp'd 


24      A.    P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S    POEMS. 

"  I  clafp'd  her  too,  but  death  prov'd  over-ftrong  ; 
"  Nor  vows  nor  tears  could  fleeting  life  prolong :     64 
"  Yet  how  fliall  I  from  vows  and  tears  refrain  ? 
*'  And  why  fhould  vows,  alas  !  and  tears  be  vain  !" 

A'-wake,  7ny  pipe  j  in  e^very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  deaths  and  Colinei's  dijlrcfs.  68 

"  Aid  me  to  grieve,  with  bleating  moan,  my  flieep, 
"  Aid  me,  thou  ever- flowing  fl:ream,  to  weep  ; 
«  Aid  me,  ye  faint,  ye  hollow  winds,  to  figh, 
"  And  thou,  my  woe,  aflifl:  me  thou  to  die.  72 

"  Me  flock  nor  ftream,  nor  winds  nor  woes,  relieve  ; 
"  She  lov'd  through  life,  and  I  through  life  will  grieve." 

A'v:ake,  my  pipe  ;  /;/  everx  tiote  exprefs 
Fair  Stella''s  death,  and  Coli/iet's  dijhr/s.  76 

"  Ye  gentler  m.aids,  companions  of  my  fair, 
"  With  down-cafl;  look,  and  with  diflievel'd  hair, 
"  All  beat  the  breail,  and  wring  your  hands  and  moan  : 
"  Her  hour,  untimely,  might  have  prov'd  your  own  :  80 
**  Her  hour,  untimely,  help  me  to  lament ; 
"  And  let  your  hearts  at  Stella's  name  relent." 

A--wake,  ?ny  pipe  ;  in  e-very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet'' s  dijirefs.  84 

"  In  vain  th'  indearing  luftre  of  your  eyes 
"  We  dote  upon,  and  you  as  vainly  prize. 
"  What  though  your  beauty  blefs  the  faitht'ul  fwain, 
"  And  in  th'  enamour 'd  heart  like  queens  ye  reign  ;  88 
"  Yet  in  their  prime  does  death  the  fairelt  kill, 
«  As  ruthlefs  winds  the  tender  bloflbms  {]iill." 

A^^:ake, 


PASTORALS.  25 

Auoake,  my  pipe  ;  in  e-very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet'' s  dijlrefs.  gz 

"  Such  Stella  was ;  yet  Stella  might  not  live  ! 
**  And  what  could  Colinet  in  ranfom  give  ? 
"  Oh  !  if  or  mufic's  voice,  or  beauty's  charm, 
"  Could  milden  death,   and  flay  his  lifted  arm,         96 
"  My  pipe  her  face,  her  face  my  pipe  might  fave, 
"  Redeeming  each  the  other  from  the  grave." 

A-uoake,  7>iy  pipe  ;  in  e-very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet' s  dijirefs.  lOO 

"  Ah,  fruitlefs  wifh  !   fell  death's  uplifted  arm 
"  Nor  beauty  can  arreft,  nor  mufic  charm. 
"  Behold  !  oh,  baleful  fight  !  fee  where  Ihe  lies  ! 
"  The  budding  flower,  unkindly  blalied,  dies :       104 
"  Nor,  though  I  live  the  longeft  day  to  mourn, 
"  WUl  flie  again  to  life  and  me  return." 

Anxiake,  jny  pipe  ;  in  e-very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet' s  dijirefs.  I08 

"  Unhappy  Colinet  !  what  boots  thee  now, 
«  To  weave  frefh  girlonds  for  thy  Stella's  brow  ? 
"  No  girlond  ever  more  may  Stella  wear, 
"  Nor  fee  the  flowery  feafon  of  the  year,  1 1 2 

"  Nor  dance,  nor  fmg,  nor  ever  fweetly  fmile, 
"  And  every  toil  of  Colinet  beguile." 

A-txjake,  my  pipe  ;  in  e-very  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet' s  df,refs.  116 

"  Throw  by  the  lily,  daffodil,   and  rofe  ; 
"  Wreaths  of  black  yew,  and  willow  pale,  compofe. 


26      A.     PHILIPS'S    POEMS. 

"  With  baneful  hemlock,  deadly  nightfhade,  drefs'd, 
*'  Such  chaplets  as  may  witnefs  thine  unrefl,  120 

•'  If  aught  can  witnefs :  O,  ye  fhepherds  tell, 
"  When  I  am  dead,  no  fnephcrd  lov'd  fo  well  !" 

Anjoake,  my  pipe  ;  in  every  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet^s  dijirefs.  124 

"  Alack,  my  fheep  !  and  thou,  dear  fpotlefs  lamb, 
"  By  Stella  nurs'd,  who  wean'd  thee  from  the  dam, 
"  What  heed  give  I  to  aught  but  to  my  grief, 
*'  My  whole  employment,  and  my  whole  relief!     128 
"  Stray  where  ye  lift,  fome  happier  mafter  try  : 
«  Yet  once,  my  flock,  was  none  fo  blefs'd  as  I." 

Anuake,  my  pipe  ;  in  e'uery  note  exprefs 
Fair  Stella's  death,  and  Colinet^s  dijirefs.  132 

"  My  pipe,  whofe  foothing  found  could  paflion  move, 
"  And  firft  taught  Stella's  virgin  heart  to  love, 
"  Shall  filent  hang  upon  this  blafted  oak, 
"  Whence  owls  their  dirges  fmg,  and  ravens  croak  :  1 36 
"  Nor  lark,  nor  linnet,  fhall  my  day  delight, 
"  Nor  nightingale  fufpend  my  moan  by  night : 
*•  The  night  and  day  fliall  undiftinguiih'd  be, 
"  Alike  to  Stella,  and  alike  to  me."  140 

No  more,  my  pipe ;  here  ceafe  ^ive  to  exprefs 
Fair  Stella'' s  death,  and  Colinet''s  dijirefs. 

Thus,  forrowing,  did  the  gentle  fhepherd  fmg. 
And  urge  the  valley  with  his  wail  to  ring.  144 

And  now  that  flieep-hook  for  my  fong  I  crave. 

A  R  G  O  L. 


PASTORALS.  27 

A   R    G   O   L. 

Not  this,  but  one  more  coftly,  (halt  thou  have. 
Of  feafon'd  elm,  where  ftuds  of  brafs  appear. 
To  fpeak  the  giver's  name,  the  month,  and  year  ;  148 
The  hook  of  polifh'd  fteel,  the  handle  torn'd. 
And  richly  by  the  carver's  fkill  adorn'd. 

O,  Colinet,  how  fweet  thy  grief  to  hear  ! 
How  does  thy  verfe  fubdue  the  liftening  ear  !  152 

Soft  falling  as  the  Hill,   refrelhing  dew. 
To  flake  the  drought,  and  herbage  to  renew : 
Not  half  fo  fweet  the  midnight  winds,  which  move 
In  drowfy  murmurs  o'er  the  waving  grove,  156 

Nor  valley  brook  that,  hid  by  alders,  fpeeds 
O'er  pebbles  warbling,  and  through  whifpering  reeds. 
Nor  dropping  waters,  which  from  rocks  dillil. 
And  welly-grots  with  tinkling  echoes  fill.  160 

Thrice  happy  Colinet,  who  can  relieve 
Heart-anguifh  fore,  and  make  it  fweet  to  grieve  ! 
And  next  to  thee  Ihall  Myco  bear  the  bell. 
Who  can  repeat  thy  peerlefs  fong  lo  well :  164 

But  fee  !   the  hUls  increaiing  fhadows  call ; 
The  fun,  I  ween,  is  leaving  us  in  hafte  : 
His  weakly  rays  faint  glimmer  through  the  wood. 
And  bluey  miib  arife  from  yonder  flood.  168 

Myco. 

Bid  then  our  dogs  to  gather  in  the  fheep. 
Good  Ihepherds,  with  their  flock,  betimes  ihould  fleep. 
Who  late  lies  down,  thou  know'fi-,  as  late  will  rife. 
And,  fluggard-like,  to  noon-day  fnoring  lies,         172 

While 


38      A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

"While  in  the  fold  his  injur'd  ewes  complain. 
And  after  dewy  paftures  bleat  in  vain. 

THE     FIFTH     PASTORAL. 

Cuddy. 
7N  rural  ftrains  we  firft  our  mufic  try, 
•*■   And  bafhful  into  w^oods  and  thickets  fly, 
Miftrufting  then  our  fkill ;  yet  if  through  time 
Our  voice,  improving,  gain  a  pitch  fublime,  4 

Thy  growing  virtues,  Sackville,  fhall  engage 
My  riper  verfe,  and  more  afpiring  age. 

The  fun,  now  mounted  to  the  noon  of  day. 
Began  to  fhoot  diredl  his  burning  ray  ;  8 

When,  with  the  flocks,  their  feeders  fought  the  fliade 
A  venerable  oak  wide-fpreading-made  : 
What  fliould  they  do  to  pafs  the  loitering  time  ? 
As  fancy  led,  each  form'd  his  tale  in  rhyme  :  12 

And  fome  the  joys,  and  fome  the  pains,  of  love. 
And  fome  to  fet  out  fl:range  adventures,  ftrove  ; 
The  trade  of  wizards  fome,  and  Merlin's  fkill. 
And  whence,  to  charms,  fuch  empire  o'er  the  will. 
Then  Cuddy  laft  (who  Cuddy  can  excel  17 

In  neat  device  r)  his  tale  began  to  tell. 

«  When  fliepherds  flourilh'd  in  Eliza's  reign, 
«  There  liv'd  in  high  repute  a  jolly  fwain,  20 

"  Young  Colin  Clout ;  who  well  could  pipe  and  fing, 
"  And  by  his  notes  invite  the  lagging  fpring. 
*'  He,  as  his  cullom  was,  at  leifure  laid 
"  in  wcodiand  bower,  without  a  rival  play'd,  24 

6  "  Soliciting 


PASTORALS.  29 

"  Soliciting  his  pipe  to  warble  clear, 

"  Enchantment  fweet  as  ever  wont  to  hear 

"  Belated  wayfarers,  from  wake  or  fair 

"  Detain'd  by  mufic,  hovering  on  in  air:  zS 

"  Drawn  by  the  magic  of  th'  inticing  found, 

"  What  troops  of  mute  admirers  flock'd  around ! 

«  The  fteerlings  left  their  food ;  and  creatures,  wild 

"  By  Nature  form'd,  infenfibly  grew  mild.  32 

"  He  makes  the  gathering  birds  about  him  throng, 

"  And  loads  the  neighbouring  branches  witli  his  fong : 

"  There,  with  the  crowd,  a  nightingale  of  fame, 

"  Jealous,  and  fond  of  praife,  to  liften  came:  36 

"  She  turn'd  her  ear,  and  paufe  by  paufe,  with  pride, 

«  Like  echo  to  the  fliepherd's  pipe  reply'd. 

"  The  fhepherd  heard  with  wonder,  and  again, 

"  To  try  her  more,  renew 'd  his  various  ftrain:  40 

"  To  all  the  various  ftrain  fhe  plies  her  throat, 

"  And  adds  peculiar  grace  to  every  note. 

"  If  Colin,  in  complaining  accent  grieve, 

"  Or  briflcer  motion  to  his  meafure  give,  44. 

"  If  gentle  founds  he  modulate,  or  fhrong, 

«  She,  not  a  little  vain,  repeats  the  fong : 

"  But  fo  repeats,  that  Colin  half-defpis'd 

"  His  pipe  and  fkill,  around  the  country  priz'd :        48 

"  And  fweeteft  fongfler  of  the  winged  kind, 

«  What  thanks,  faid  he,  what  praifcs,  fhall  I  find 

"  To  equal  thy  melodious  voice  ?  In  thee 

"  The  rudenefs  of  my  rural  fife  I  feej  52^ 

"  From  thee  I  learn  no  more  to  vaunt  my  fkill : 

**  Aloft  in  air  flae  fate,  provoking  flill 

«  The 


30        A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

"  The  vanquifh'd  fwain.     Provok'd,  at  laft,  he  ftrove 
"  To  fhow  the  little  mlnllrel  of  the  grove  56 

"  His  utmoft  powers,  detcrmin'd  once  to  try 
**  How  art,  exerting,  might  with  nature  vy ; 
"  For  vy  could  none  with  either  in  their  part, 
"  With  her  in  Nature,  nor  with  him  in  Art.  60 

"  He  draws-in  breath,  his  rifing  breath  to  fill: 
"  Throughout  the  wood  his  pipe  is  heard  to  fhrill. 
"  From  note  to  note,  in  hafte,  his  fingers  fly ; 
"  Still  more  and  more  the  numbers  multiply :  64 

"  And  now  they  trill,  and  now  they  fall  and  rife, 
"  And  fwift  and  flow  they  change  with  fvveet  furprife. 
"  Attentive  (he  doth  fcarce  the  founds  retain ; 
«  But  to  herfelf  firft  cons  the  puzzling  flrain,  68 

"  And  tracing,  heedful,  note  by  note  repays 
"  The  fhepherd  in  his  own  harmonious  lays, 
"  Through  every  changing  cadence  runs  at  length, 
"  And  adds  in  fweetnefs  what  he  »vants  in  llrength.  72 
"  Then  Colin  threw  his  fife  difgrac'd  afide, 
"  While  {he  loud  triumph  fings,  proclaiming  wide 
«■  Her  mighty  conqueft,  and  within  her  throat 
"  Twirls  many  a  wild  unimltable  note,  •^(i 

"  To  foil  her  rival.     What  could  Colin  more  ? 
^'  A  little  harp  of  maple  ware  he  bore : 
"  The  little  harp  was  old,  but  newly  frrung, 
**  Which,  ufual,  he  acrofs  his  fhoulders  hung.  80 

"  Now  take,  delightful  bird,  my  laft  farewel, 
"  He  faid,  and  learn  from  hence  thou  doft  excel 
"  No  trivial  artift :  and  anon  he  wound 
*'  The  murmuring  ftrings,  and  order'd  every  found :  84 

«  Then 


PASTORALS.  31 

"  Then  earneft  to  his  inftrument  he  bends, 

"  And  both  hands  pliant  on  the  firings  extends : 

"  His  touch  the  firings  obey,  and  various  move, 

"  The  lower  anfwering  ftiil  to  thofe  above:  8S 

"  His  fingers,  reltleis,  traverfe  to  and  fro, 

"  As  in  purfuit  of  harmony  they  go : 

"  Now,  lightly  fkimming,  o'er  the  firings  they  pafs, 

"  Like  winds  which  gently  brufh  the  plying  grafs,   92 

"  While  melting  airs  arife  at  their  command : 

"  And  now,  laborious,  with  a  weighty  hand 

"  He  fmks  into  the  cords  with  folemn  pace, 

"  To  give  the  fwelling  tones  a  bolder  grace;  96 

"  And  now  the  left,  and  now  by  turns  the  right, 

"  Each  other  chace,  harmonious  both  in  flight : 

"  Then  his  whole  fingers  blend  a  fwarm  of  founds, 

"  Till  the  fweet  tumult  through  the  harp  rebounds,  100 

"  Ceafe,  Colin,  ceafe,  thy  rival  ceafe  to  vex; 

"  The  mingling  notes,  alas !   her  ear  perplex : 

"  She  warbles,  diffident,  in  hope  and  fear, 

"  And  hits  imperfeft  accents  here  and  there,  1 04 

"  And  fain  would  utter  forth  fome  double  tone, 

"  When  foon  flie  falters,  and  can  utter  none : 

"  Again  fhe  tries,  and  yet  again  fhe  fails ; 

"  For  Hill  the  harp's  united  power  prevails.  108 

"  Then  Colin  play'd  again,  and  playing  fung : 

"  She,  with  the  fatal  love  of  glory  flung, 

"  Hears  all  in  pain :  her  heart  begins  to  fwell : 

"  In  piteous  notes  fhe  fighs,  in  notes  which  tell       1 12 

"  Her  bitter  anguifh :  he,  llill  fmging,  plies 

"  His  limber  joints :  her  forrows  higher  rife. 

«  Howr 


32        A.    P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

*'  How  fhall  (he  bear  a  conqueror,  who,  before, 

"  No  equal  through  the  grove  in  mufic  bore  ?  1 16 

"  She  droops,  (he  hangs  her  flagging  wings,  (he  moans, 

"  And  fetcheth  from  her  breaft  melodious  groans. 

"  Opprefs'd  with  grief  at  laft  too  great  to  quell, 

"  Down,  breathlefs,on  the  guilty  harp  (he  fell.        120 

*'  Then  Colin  loud  lamented  o'er  the  dead, 

«  And  unavailing  tears  profufely  (hed, 

"  And  broke  his  wicked  (Irings,  and  curs'd  his  (kill; 

"  And  bed  to  make  atonement  for  the  ill,  1 24 

**  If,  for  fuch  ill,  atonement  might  be  made, 

"  He  builds  her  tomb  beneath  a  laurel  (hade, 

"  Then  adds  a  verfe,  and  fets  with  flowers  the  ground, 

"  And  makes  a  fence  of  winding  ofiers  round.  128 

"  A  verfe  and  tomb  is  all  I  now  can  give ; 

"  And  here  thy  name  at  leafl,  he  faid,  (hall  live." 

Thus  ended  Cuddy  with  the  fetting  fun. 
And,  by  his  tale,  unenvy'd  praifes  won.  1^2 

THE     SIXTH     P  A  S  T  O  Pv  A  L. 
G  E  R  O  N,  H  O  B  B  I  N  O  L,   LAN  Qjj  E  T. 

G  E    RON. 


TTOW  (till  the  fea  behold !  how  calm  the  (ky ! 
-*-  -*•    And  how,  in  fportive  chace,  the  fvvallows  fly  ! 
My  goats,  fecure  from  harm,  fmall  tendance  need. 
While  high,  on  yonder  hanging  rock,  they  feed :         4 
And  here  below,  the  banky  (hore  along. 
Your  heifers  graze.     Now,  "then,  to  ftrive  in  fong 

Prepare. 


PASTORALS. 


33 


Prepare.     As  eldeft,  Hobbinol  begin; 
And  Lanquet's  rival-verfe,  by  turns,  come  in.  8 

Hobbinol. 
Let  others  flake  what  chofen  pledge  they  will. 
Or  kid,  or  lamb,  or  mazer  wrought  with  (kill : 
For  praife  we  fmg,  nor  wager  ought  befide; 
And,  whofe  the  praife,  let  Geron's  lips  decide.  12 

L   A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

To  Geron  I  my  voice,  and  fkill,  commend, 
A  candid  umpire,  and  to  both  a  friend. 
Geron. 

Begin  then,  boys ;  and  vary  well  your  fong : 
Begin;  nor  fear,  from  Geron's  fentence,  wrong.         16 
A  boxen  hautboy,  loud,  and  fweet  of  found. 
All  varnifh'd,  and  with  brazen  ringlets  bound, 
jl  to  the  vidlor  give :  no  mean  reward. 
If  to  the  ruder  village-pipes  compar'd.  20 

Hobbinol.  ' 

The  fnows  are  melted ;  and  the  kindly  rain 
Defcends  on  every  herb,  and  every  grain; 
Soft  balmy  breezes  breathe  along  the  flcy; 
The  bloomy  feafon  of  the  year  is  nigh.  24. 

L   A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

The  cuckoo  calls  aloud  his  wandering  love; 

he  turtle's  moan  is  heard  in  every  grove; 

he  paftures  change;  the  warbling  linnets  fing: 

■epare  to  welcome-in  the  gaudy  fpring.  28 

Hobbinol. 
When  locufls,  in  the  ferny  bufhes,  cry, 
hen  ravens  pant,  and  fnakes  in  cavern.s  lie. 
Vol.  LVIL  D  Graze 


34       A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Graze  then  in  woods,  and  quit  the  fhadelefs  plain, 
Elfe  fhall  ye  prefs  the  fpungy  teat  in  vain.  3Z 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

When  greens  to  yellow  vary,  and  ve  fee 
The  ground  beftrew'd  with  fruits  of  every  tree. 
And  ftormy  winds  are  heard,  think  winter  near. 
Nor  truft  too  far  to  the  declining  year.  36 

H  O   B    B    I    N   O   L. 

Woe  then,  alack  !  befall  the  fpendthrift  fv/ain. 
When  froft,  and  fnow,  and  liail,  and  fleet,  and  rain. 
By  turns  chaftife  him,  while,  through  little  care. 
His  fl^eep,  unfhelter'd,  pine  in  nipping  air.  4a 

L   A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

The  lad  of  forecaft  then  untroubled  fees 
The  white-bleak  plains,  and  filvery  frofted  trees : 
He  fends  his  flock,  and,  clad  in  homely  frize. 
In  his  warm  cott  the  wintery  blaJl  defies.  44, 

H  O   B    B   1    N    O   L. 

Full  fain,  O  blefs'd  Eliza !  would  I  praife 
Thy  maiden-rule,  and  Albion's  golden  day-s : 
Then  gentle  Sidney  liv'd,  the  fliepherd's  friend: 
Eternal  bleflings  on  his  fliade  attend  !  48. 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

Thrice  happy  fliepherds  now !  for  Dorfet  loves 
The  country-mufe,  and  our  refounding  groves. 
While  Anna  reigns :  O,  ever  may  flie  reign  ! 
And  bring,  on  earth,,  the  golden  age  again. 

HOBBINOL. 

I  love,  in  fecret  all,  a  beauteous  maid, 
^nd  have  my  love,  iaiecret  all,  repaid; 

This* 


PASTORALS.  35 

This  coming  night  flie  plights  her  troth  to  me : 
Divine  her  name,  and  thou  the  viftor  be.  56 

L   A    N    Q^U    E   T. 

Mild  as  the  lamb,  unharmful  as  the  dove. 
True  as  the  turtle,  is  the  maid  I  love : 
How  we  in  fecret  love,  I  fhall  not  fay  : 
Divine  her  name,  and  I  give  up  the  day.  60 

H  o  B   B   I   N   o  L. 
Soft  on  a  cowflip-bank  my  love  and  I 
Together  lay;^  brook  ran  murmuring  by: 
A  thoufand  tender  things  to  me  ihe  faid ; 
And  I  a  thoufand  tender  things  repaid.  64 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

In  fummer-fhade,  behind  the  cocking  hay. 
What  kind  endearing  v/ords  did  fhe  not  fay  I 
Ker  lap,  with  apron  deck'd,  flie  fondly  fpread. 
And  llrok'd  my  cheek,  and  luU'd  my  leaning  head.  68 

H  O  B    B   I    N    O   L. 

Breathe  foft,  ye  winds;  ye  waters,  gently  flow; 
Shield  her,  ye  trees ;  ye  flowers,  around  her  grow  ; 
Ye  f.vains,  I  beg  you,  pafs  in  filence  by; 
My  love,  in  yonder  vale,  afleep  does  lie.  72 

L  A   K   ci_u   E   T. 

Once  Delia  flept  on  eafy  mofs  reclin'd. 
Her  lovely  limbs  half  bare,  and  rude  the  wind : 
I  fmooth'd  her  coats,  and  Hole  a  filent  kifs : 
Condemn  me,  flaepherds,  if  I  did  amifs.  76 

H  o  B   B   I   N  o  L. 

As  Marian  bath'd,  by  chance  I  paflTed  by; 
She  blaili'd,  and  at  me  glanc'd  a  fidelong  eye : 

D  z  Then, 


36        A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Then,  cowering  in  the  treacherous  ftream,  fhe  try'd 
Her  tempting  form,  yet  Itill  in  vain,  to  hide.  So 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

As  I,  to  cool  me,  bath'd  one  fultry  day. 
Fond  Lydia,  lurking,  in  the  fedges  lay  : 
The  wanton  laugh'd,  and  feem'd  in  hade  to  Hy, 
Yet  oft  flie  flopt,  and  oft  ihe  turn'd  her  eye.  84 

H  0  E   B   I    K   o  L. 

WTien  firft  I  faw  (would  1  had  never  feen  !) 
Young  Lyfet  lead  the  dance  on  yonder  green. 
Intent  upon  her  beauties,  as  fhe  mov'd. 
Poor  heedlefs  wretch  !  at  unawares  I  lov'd.  83 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

When  Lucy  decks  with  flowers  her  fwelling  bread;. 
And  on  her  elbow  leans,  difTembling  reft. 
Unable  to  refrain  my  madding  mind. 
Nor  herds,  nor  pallure,  worth  my  care  I  find.  92 

HOBBINOL. 

Come,  Rofalind,  O  come  1  for,  wanting  thee. 
Our  peopled  vale  a  defert  is  to  me. 
Come,  Rofalind,  O  come  !  My  brinded  klne. 
My  fnovvy  fheep,  my  farm,  and  all,  are  thine.  gC 

L   A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

Come,  Rofalind,  O  come  !  Here  Ihady  bowers. 
Here  are  cool  fountains,  and  here  fpringing  flower* : 
Come,  Rofalind  !  Here  ever  let  us  ftay. 
And  fweetly  wafte  the  live -long  time  away.  loc 

H  O   B    B    I    N   O    L. 

In  vain  tlie  feafons  of  the  moon  I  know. 
The  force  of  healing  herbs,  and  where  they  grow: 
No  herb  there  is,  no  feafan,  to  remove 
From  mv  fond  heart  the  racking  pains  of  love.         104. 

L   A    N- 


PASTORALS.  3; 

L    A    N    Q^U    E   T. 

"WTiat  profits  me,  that  I  in  charms  have  fkill. 
And  ghofts,  and  goblins,  order  as  I  will. 
Yet  have,  with  all  my  charms,  no  power  to  lay 
The  fprite  that  breaks  my  quiet  night  and  day  ?        108 

H  O   B    B    I    N   O   L. 

O,  that,  like  Colin,  I  had  fkill  in  rhymes. 
To  purchafe  credit  with  fucceeding  times  ! 
Sweet  Colin  Clout !  who  never,  yet,  had  peer; 
[  V\'ho  fang  through  all  the  feafons  of  the  year.  1 1 2 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

Let  me,  like  Merlin,  fmg :  his  voice  had  power 
To  free  the  'clipfmg  moon  at  midnight  hour : 
And,  as  he  fung,  the  Fairies  with  their  queen. 
In  mantles  blue,  came  tripping  o'er  the  green.  116 

H  O   B    B    I    N   O   L. 

Lall  eve  of  May  did  I  not  hear  them  fmg. 
And  fee  their  dance  ?  And  I  can  Ihew  the  ring. 
Where,  hand  in  hand,  they  ftiift  their  feet  fo  light : 
The  grafs  fprings  greener  from  their  tread  by  night.  1 20 

L    A    N    Q^U    E    T. 

But  haft  thou  feen  their  king,  in  rich  array, 
Fam'd  Oberon,  with  damafk'd  robe  fo  gay. 
And  gemmy  crown,  by  moonlhine  fparkling  far. 
And  azure  fceptre,  pointed  with  a  ftar  ?  1 24 

.  G  £  R  o  N . 

Here  end  your  pleafmg  ftrife.     Both  vidlors  are; 
And  both  with  Colin  may,  in  rhyme,  compare. 
A  boxen  hautboy,  loud,  and  fweet  of  found, 
.'VIl  varnifli'd,  and  v/ith  brazen  ringlets  bound,         128 
D  3  To 


SS        A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

To  each  I  give.     A  mizzling  mill  defcends 
Adown  that  iteepy  rock :  and  this  way  tends  ' 

Yon  diflant  rain.     Shoreward  the  veflels  ftrive ; 
And,  fee,  the  boys  their  flocks  to  ihelter  drive,        132 

THE     STRAY    NYMPH. 

/^  EASE  your  mufic,  gentle  fwains : 

^^  Saw  ye  Delia  crofs  the  plains  ? 

Every  thicket,  every  grove. 

Have  I  rang'd,  to  find  my  love :  4 

A  kid,  a  lamb,  my  flock,  I  give. 

Tell  me  only,  doth  flie  live  ? 

White  her  fkin  as  mountain-fnow ; 
In  her  cheek  the  rofes  blow ;  8 

And  her  eye  is  brighter  far 
Than  the  beamy  morning  ftar. 
When  her  ruddy  lip  ye  view, 

'Tis  a  berry  moid  with  dew :  1 1 

And  her  breath,  oh,  'tis  a  gale 
PafTmg  o'er  a  fragrant  vale, 
Palhng,  when  a  friendly  ihower 
Frefhens  every  herb  and  flower.  16 

Wide  her  bofom  opens,  gay 
As  the  prlmrofe-dell  in  May, 
Sweet  as  violet-borders  growing 
Over  fountains  ever-flowing.  20 

Like  the  tendrils  of  the  vine. 
Do  her  auburn  trefles  twine, 

Giofly 


PASTORALS.  39 

Glofly  ringlets  all  behind 

Streaming  buxom  to  the  wind,  24 

When  along  the  lawn  flie  bounds. 

Light,   as  hind  before  the  hounds ; 

And  the  youthful  ring  flae  fires, 

Hopelefs  in  their  fond  defires,  28 

As  her  flitting  feet  advance. 

Wanton  in  the  winding  dance. 

Tell  me,  fliepherds,  have  ye  feea 
My  delight,  my  love,  my  queen?  32 

THE    HAPPY     SWAIN. 

TT  A  VE  ye  feen  the  morning  fky, 

'*■  •*•    When  the  dawn  prevails  on  high, 

When,  anon,  fome  purply  ray 

Gives  a  fample  of  the  day,  4^ 

When,  anon,  the  lark,  on  wing. 

Strives  to  foar,  and  drains  to  fmg  ? 

Have  ye  feen  th'  ethereal  blue 
Gently  lliedding  filvery  dew,  S 

Spangling  o'er  the  filent  green. 
While  the  nightingale,  unfeen. 
To  the  moon  and  itars,  full  bright, 
Lonefome  chants  the  hymn  of  night  ?  12 

Have  ye  feen  the  broider'd  May 
All  her  fcented  bloom  difplay. 
Breezes  opening,  every  hour. 

Tills,  and  that,  expedling  flower,  16 

D  4  While 


40       A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

While  the  mingling  birds  prolong. 
From  each  bufh,  the  vernal  fong  ? 

Have  ye  feen  the  damafk-roie 
Her  unfully'd  blufh  difclofe. 
Or  the  lily's  dewy  bell. 
In  her  glofTy  white,  excell. 
Or  a  garden  vary'd  o'er 
With  a  thoufand  glories  more  ? 

By  the  beauties  thefe  difplay, 
Morning,  evening,  rught,  or  day. 
By  the  pleafures  thefe  excite, 
Endlefs  fources  of  delight ! 
Judge,  by  them,  the  joys  I  find. 
Since  my  Rofalind  was  kind. 
Since  (he  did  herfelf  refign 
To  my  vows,  for  ever  mine. 


24. 


28 


32 


EPISTLES. 


[    4»     ] 

EPISTLES. 
TO      A      FRIEND, 


DESIRED     ME    TO    WRITE    ON     THE     DEATH    OF 
KING    WILLIAM. 

April  20,    1702. 
'T'RUST  me,  dear  George,  could  I  in  verfe  but  fhow 
-■■     What  forrow  I,  what  forrow  all  men,   owe 
To  NalFau's  fate,  or  could  I  hope  to  raife 
A  fong  proportion'd  to  the  monarch's  praife,  ^ 

Could  1  his  merits,  or  my  grief,  exprefs. 
And  proper  thoughts  in  proper  language  drefs. 
Unbidden  ftiould  my  pious  numbers  flow. 
The  tribute  of  a  heart  o'ercharg'd  with  woe  ;  8 

But,  rather  than  prophane  his  facred  hearfe 
With  languid  praifes,  and  unhallow'd  verfe. 
My  fighs  I  to  myfclf  in  filence  keep. 
And  inwardly,  with  fecret  anguilh,  weep.  12 

Let  Halifax's  Mufe  (he  knew  him  well) 
His  virtues  to  fucceeding  ages  tell. 
Let  him,  who  fung  the  warrior  on  the  Boyne, 
(Provoking  Dorfet  in  the  talk  to  join)  16 

And  flicw'd  the  hero  more  than  man  before. 
Let  him  th'  illuftrious  mortal's  fate  deplore  ; 

A  mourn- 


42      A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

A  mournful  theme  :  while,  on  raw  pinions,  I 

But  flutter,  and  make  weak  attempts  to  fly :  20 

Content,  if,  to  divert  my  vacant  time, 

I  can  but  like  feme  love-fick  fopling  rhyme. 

To  fome  kind-hearted  millrefs  make  my  court. 

And,  like  a  modiih  vv'it,  in  fonnet  fport.  24 

Let  others,  more  ambitious,  rack  their  brains 
In  polilh'd  fentiments,  and  labour'd  lirains : 
To  blooming  Phyllis  I  a  fong  compofe. 
And,  for  a  rhyme,  compare  her  to  the  rofe;  28 

Then,  while  my  fancy  works,  I  write  down  morn. 
To  paint  the  blufli  that  does  her  cheek  adorn. 
And,  when  the  v/hitenefs  of  her  fkin  I  Ihow, 
With  ecftafy  bethink  myfelf  of  fnow,  32 

Thus,  without  pains,  I  tinkle  in  the  clofe. 
And  fweeten  into  verfe  infipid  profe. 

The  country  fcraper,  when  he  wakes  his  crowd, 
^nd  makes  the  tortur'd  cat-gut  fqueak  aloud,  36 

is  often  ravifh'd,  and  in  tranfport  loll  : 
What  more,  my  friend,  can  fam'd  Corelli  boaft. 
When  harmony  herfelf  from  heaven  defcends. 
And  on  the  artiii's  moving  bow  attends  ?  40 

Why  then,  in  m.aking  verfes,  fhould  I  ftrain 
For  wit,  and  of  Apollo  beg  a  vein  ? 
Who  ftudy  Horace  and  the  Stagyrite  ? 
Why  cramp  m.y  dulnefs,  and  in  torment  write  ?        44 
Let  me  tranfgrefs  by  nature,  nor  by  rule. 
An  artlefs  idiot,  not  a  ftudy'd  fool, 
A  Withers,  not  a  P^ymer,  fmce  I  aim 
At  nothing  lefs,  in  v%'rituig,  than  a  name.  48 

6  FROM 


[    43     3 

FROM  HOLLAND,  TO  A  FRIEND  IN 
ENGLAND,   IN  THE   YEAR  1703. 

T?ROM  Utrecht's  filent  walks,  by  winds,  I  fend 

■■■      Health  and  kind  wilhes  to  my  abfent  friend. 

The  winter  fpent,  I  feel  the  poet's  fire ; 

The  fun  advances,  and  the  fogs  retire  :  4 

The  genial  fpring  unbinds  the  frozen  earth. 

Dawns  on  the  trees,  and  gives  the  primrofe  birth. 

Loos'd  from  their  friendly  harbours,  once  again 

Confederate  fleets  affemble  on  the  main  :  8 

The  voice  of  war  the  gallant  foldier  wakes  ; 

And  weeping  Cloe  parting  kiffes  takes. 

On  new-plum 'd  wings  the  Roman  eagle  foars  j 

The  Belgick  lion  in  full  fury  roars.  12 

Difpatch  the  leader  from  your  happy  coaft. 

The  hope  of  Europe,  and  Britannia's  boaft  : 

O,  Marlborough,  come  !   frelh  laurels  for  thee  rife  ! 

One  conqueft  more  ;  and  Gallia  will  grow  wife.  16 

Old  Lewis  makes  his  laft  effort  in  arms. 

And  (hews  how,  ev'n  in  age,  ambition  charms. 

Meanwhile,  my  friend,  the  thickening  (hades  I  haunt. 
And  fmooth  canals,  and  after  rivulets  pant :  20 

The  fmooth  canals,  alas,  too  lifelefs  fhow  ! 
Nor  to  the  eye,  nor  to  the  ear,  they  flow. 
Studious  of  eafe,  and  fond  of  humble  things, 
Below  the  fmilcs,  below  the  frowns  of  kings,  24 

Thanks  to  my  ftars,  I  prize  the  fweets  of  life : 
No  flccplefs  nights  I  count,  no  days  of  ftrife. 

Content 


44      A.    P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

Content  to  live,  content  to  die,  unknown. 

Lord  of  myfelf,  accountable  to  none  ;  28 

I  fleep,  I  wake,  I  drink ;  I  fometimes  love ; 

I  read,  I  write  ;  I  fettle,  and  I  rove, 

When,  and  where-e'er,  I  pleafe :  thus,  every  hour 

Gives  fome  nev/  proof  of  my  defpotic  power.  32 

All,  that  I  will,  I  can  ;  but  then,  I  will 

As  reafon  bids ;  I  meditate  no  ill ; 

And,  pleas 'd  v\Tith  things  which  in  my  level  lie. 

Leave  it  to  madmen  o'er  the  clouds  to  fly.  36 

But  this  is  all  romance,  a  dream  to  you. 
Who  fence  and  dance,  and  keep  the  court  in  view. 
White  itaffs  and  truncheons,  feals  and  golden  keys. 
And  filver  ftars,  your  towering  genius  pleafe  :  40 

Such  manly  thoughts  in  every  infant  rife. 
Who  daily  for  fome  tinfel  trinket  cries. 

Go  on,  and  profper.  Sir  :  but  firfl;  from  me 
Learn  your  own  temper  ;  for  I  know  you  free.         44 
You  can  be  honeft ;  but  you  cannot  bow. 
And  cringe,  beneath  a  fupercilious  brow  : 
You  cannot  fawn  ;  your  ftubbom  foul  recoils 
At  bafenefs ;  and  your  blood  too  highly  boils.  48 

From  nature  fome  fubmifTive  tempers  have  ; 
Unkind  to  you,  fhe  form'd  you  not  a  flave. 
A  courtier  muft  be  fupple,  fuU  of  guile, 
Muft  learn  to  praife,  to  flatter,  to  revile,  cz 

The  good,  the  bad,  an  enemy,  a  friend. 
To  give  falfe  hopes,  and  on  falfe  hopes  depend. 
Go  on,  and  profper.  Sir :  but  learn  to  hide 
Your  upright  fpirit :  't  will  be  coailrued  pride,        56 

The 


EPISTLES.  45 

The  fplendour  of  a  court  is  all  a  cheat ; 

You  muft  be  fervile,  ere  you  can  be  great. 

Befides,  your  ancient  patrimony  wafted. 

Your  youth  run  out,  your  fchemes  of  grandeur  blafted. 

You  may  perhaps  retire  in  difcontent. 

And  curfe  your  patron,  for  no  Itrange  event : 

The  patron  will  his  innocence  protefr. 

And  frown  m  earneft,  though  he  fmil'd  in  jeft.         64 

Man,  only  from  himfelf,  can  fuffer  wrong ; 
His  reafon  fails,  as  his  denres  grow  ftrong  : 
Hence,  wanting  ballaft,  and  too  full  of  fail. 
He  lies  expos 'd  to  every  rifing  gale.  6S 

From  youth  to  age,  for  happinefs  he's  bound  : 
He  fplits  on  rocks,  or  runs  his  bark  aground. 
Or,  wide  of  land,  a  defert  ocean  views. 
And,  to  the  laft,  the  flying  port  purfues,  72 

Yet,  to  the  laft,  the  port  he  does  not  gain. 
And  dying  finds,  too  late,   he  liv'd  in  vain. 


TO    THE     EARL     OF    DORSET. 

Copenhagen,  March  9,   1709. 
"C^ROM  frozen  climes,  and  endlefs  trafls  of  fnow, 
-*-     From  ftrcams  which  northern  winds  forbid  to  flow. 
What  prefent  fliall  the  Mufe  to  Dorfet  bring. 
Or  how,  fo  near  the  Pole,  attempt  to  fmg  ?  4 

The  hoary  winter  here  conceals  from  fight 
All  pleafing  objedts  v/hich  to  verfe  invite. 

The 


46      A.     PHILIPS'S    POEMS. 

The  hills  and  dales,  and  the  delightful  woods. 
The  flowery  plains,  and  iilver-ftreaming  floods,         8 
By  fnow  difguis'd,  in  bright  confufion  lie. 
And  with  one  dazzling  wade  fatigue  the  eye. 

No  gentle  breathing  breeze  prepares  the  fpring. 
No  birds  within  the  defert  region  iing.  12 

The  Ihips,  unmov'd,  the  boilterous  winds  defy. 
While  rattling  chariots  o'er  the  ocean  fly. 
The  vail  Leviathan  wants  room  to  play. 
And  fpout  his  waters  in  the  face  of  day.  1 6 

The  ftarving  wolves  along  the  main  fea  prowl. 
And  to  the  moon  in  icy  valleys  howl. 
O'er  many  a  fliining  league  the  level  main 
Here  fpreads  itfelf  into  a  glafly  plain  :  20 

There  folid  billows  of  enormous  flze, 
Alps  of  green  ice,  in  wild  diforder  rife. 

And  yet  but  lately  have  I  feen,  ev'n  here. 
The  winter  in  a  lovely  drefs  appear.  24 

Ere  yet  the  clouds  let  fall  the  treafur'd  fnov/. 
Or  winds  begun  through  hazy  ikies  to  blow. 
At  evening  a  keen  eaiiern  breeze  arofe. 
And  the  defcending  rain  unfully'd  froze.  28 

Soon  as  the  filent  fnades  of  night  withdi-ew. 
The  ruddy  morn  difclos'd  at  once  to  view 
The  face  of  Nature  in  a  rich  difguife. 
And  brighten'd  every  objeft  to  my  eyes :  32 

For  every  flirub,  and  every  blade  of  grafs. 
And  every  pointed  thorn,  feem'd  wrought  in  glafs ; 
In  pearls  and  rubies  rich  the  hawthorns  fliow. 
While  through  the  ice  the  crimfon  berries  glow.       36 

The 


EPISTLES.  47 

The  thick-fprung  reeds,  which  watery  marlhcs  yield, 
Seem'd  polifh'd  lances  in  a  hoftile  field. 
The  flag,  in  limpid  currents,  with  furprize. 
Sees  cryltal  branches  on  his  forehead  rife :  40 

The  fpreading  oak,  the  beech,  and  towering  pine, 
Glaz'd  over,  in  the  freezing  sether  fhine. 
The  frighted  birds  the  rattling  branches  fhun. 
Which  wave  and  glitter  in  the  diltant  fun.  44 

When  if  a  fudden  gull  of  v/ind  arife. 
The  brittle  foreit  into  atoms  flies. 
The  crackling  wood  beneath  the  tempeft  bends. 
And  in  a  fpangled  fliower  the  profpeft  ends :  48 

Or,  if  a  fouthem  gale  the  region  warm. 
And  by  degrees  unbind  the  wintery  charm. 
The  traveller  a  miry  country  fees. 
And  journeys  fad  beneath  the  dropping  trees :  52 

Like  fome  deluded  peafant,  Ivlerlin  leads 
Through  fragrant  bowers,  and  through  delicious  meads. 
While  here  inchanted  gardens  to  him  rife. 
And  airy  fabricks  there  attraft  his  eyes,  56 

His  wandering  feet  the  magic  paths  purfue. 
And,  while  he  thinks  the  fair  illufion  true. 
The  tracklefs  fcenes  difperfe  iii  fluid  air. 
And  woods,  and  v/ilds,  and  thorny  ways  appear,      6a 
A  tedious  road  the  weary  wretch  returns. 
And,  as  he  goes,  the  traufient  vifion  mourns. 


To 


48       A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

To  the  Right  Honourable  Charles  Lord 
Halifax,  one  of  the  Lords  Juftices  appointed 
by  his  Majefty.     17 14. 

P  A  T  R  O  N  of  verfe,  O  Halifax,  attend, 

■*-     The  Mufe's  favourite,  and  the  Poet's  friend  ! 

Approaching  joys  my  ravilh'd  thoughts  infpire  : 

I  feel  the  tranfport ;  and  my  foul 's  on  fire  !  4 

Again  Britannia  rears  her  awful  head  : 
Her  fears,  tranfplanted,   to  her  foes  are  fled. 
Again  her  flandard  fhe  difplays  to  view  ; 
And  all  its  faded  lilies  bloom  anew.  8 

Here  beauteous  Liberty  falutes  the  fight. 
Still  pale,  nor  yet  recover'd  of  her  fright, 
Whilft  here  Religion,  fmiling  to  the  fkies. 
Her  thanks  exprefTes  with  up-lifted  eyes.  12 

But  who  advances  next,  with  chearful  grace, 
Joy  in  her  eye,  and  plenty  in  her  face  ? 
A  wheaten  garland  does  her  head  adorn, 
O  Property  !   O  goddefs,  Englifli-born  !  16 

Where  haft  thou  been  ?  How  did  the  wealthy  mourn  • 
The  bankrupt  nation  figh'd  for  thy  return. 
Doubtful  for  whom  her  fpreading  funds  were  fill'd. 
Her  fleets  were  freighted,  and  her  fields  were  till'd.  20 

No  longer  now  fliall  France  and  Spain  combin'd. 
Strong  in  their  golden  Indies,  awe  mankind. 
Brave  Catalans,  v/ho  for  your  freedom  ftrive. 
And  in  your  fliatter'd  bulwarks  yet  furvivc,  24 

For 


EPISTLES.  49 

For  you  alone,  worthy  a  better  fate, 

O,  may  this  happy  change  not  come  too  late  ! 

Great  in  your  fuiFerings  ! — But,  my  Mufe,  forbear; 

Nor  damp  the  public  gladnefs  with  a  tear:  28 

The  hero  has  receiv'd  their  juft  complaint, 

Grac'd  with  the  name  of  our  fam'd  patron-faint: 

Like  him,  with  pleafure  he  foregoes  his  relt. 

And  longs,  like  him,  to  fuccour  the  diftrefs'd.  32 

Firm  to  his  friends,  tenacious  of  his  word. 

As  juftice  calls,  he  draws  or  fheaths  the  fword: 

Matur'd  by  thought,  his  councils  fliall  prevail; 

Nor  fhall  his  promife  to  his  people  fail.  36 

He  comes,  defire  of  nations !    England's  boaft ! 
Already  has  he  reach'd  the  Belgian  coaft. 
Our  great  deliverer  comes  !   and  with  him  brings 
A  progeny  of  late-fucceeding  kings,  40 

Fated  to  triumph  o'er  Britannia's  foes 
In  diftant  years,  and  fix  the  world's  repofe. 

The  floating  fquadrons  now  approach  the  fiiore ; 
Loft  in  the  failors  Ihouts,  the  cannons  roar :  44 

And  now,  behold,  the  fovereign  of  the  main. 
High  on  the  deck,  amidit  his  fliining  train. 
Surveys  the  fubjeft  flood.     An  eaftern  gale 
Plays  through  the  flirouds,  and  fwells  in  every  fail :  48 
Th'  obfequious  waves  his  new  dominion  own. 
And  gently  waft  their  monarch  to  his  throne. 
Now  the  glad  Britons  hail  their  king  to  land. 
Hang  on  the  rocks,  and  blacken  all  the  ftrand:  52 

But  who  the  filent  extafy  can  fliow. 
The  palfions  which  in  nobler  blofoms  glow.-' 

Vol.  LVII.  E  Who 


50        A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS, 

Who  can  defcribe  the  godlike  patriot's  zeal  ? 

Or  who,  my  Lord,  your  generous  joys  reveal  ?  56. 

Ordain'd,  once  more,  our  treafure  to  advance. 

Retrieve  our  trade,  and  fmk  the  pride  of  France, 

Once  more  the  long-negledled  arts  to  raife. 

And  form  each  rifing  genius  for  the  bays.  60 

Accept  the  prefent  of  a  grateful  fong ; 
This  prelude  may  provoke  the  lea.rned  throng: 
To  Cam  and  Ifis  fhall  the  joyful  news. 
By  me  convey'd,  awaken  every  Mufe.  64, 

Ev'n  now  the  vocal  tribe  in  verfe  confpires  ; 
And  I  already  hear  their  founding  lyres : 
To  them  the  mighty  labour  I  refign. 
Give  up  the  Theme,  and  quit  the  tuneful  Nine.         6S 
So  when  the  fpring  firft  fmiles  among  the  trees. 
And  blolToms  open  to  the  vernal  breeze. 
The  watchful  nightingale,  v/ith  early  ftrains. 
Summons  the  warblers  of  the  vv'oods  and  plains,         72- 
But  drops  her  mufick,  when  the  choir  appear. 
And  liftens  to  the  concert  of  the  year. 

To  the  Honourable   James  Craggs,    Efq;    Secre- 
tary at  War,  at  Hampton- Court.     1717- 

np  HOUGH  Britain's  hardy  troops  demand  your  cs-ve^ 
•*     And  chearful  friends  your  hours  of  leifure  fliare ; 
O,  Craggs,  for  candour  known  !   indulge  awhile 
My  fond  defire,  and  on  my  labour  fmile :  4 

Nor  count  it  always  an  abufe  of  time 
To  r§ad  a  long  epilUe,  though  in  rhyme. 

To 


EPISTLES.  51 

To  you  I  fend  my  thoughts,  too  long  confin'd. 
And  eafe  the  burden  of  a  loyal  mind ;  8 

To  you  my  fccrct  tranfports  I  difclofe. 
That  rife  above  the  languid  powers  of  profe. 
But,  while  thefe  artlefs  numbers  you  pcrufe. 
Think  'tis  my  heart  that  didates,  not  the  Mufe;         12 
My  heart,  which  at  the  name  of  Brunfwick  fires. 
And  no  affillance  from  the  Mufe  requires. 

Believe  me.  Sir,  your  breaft,  that  glowsnvith  zeal 
For  George's  glory,  and  the  public  weal,  16 

Your  bread  alone  feels  more  pathetic  heats; 
Your  heart  alone  with  ftronger  raptures  beats. 

When  I  review  the  great  examples  pafl. 
And  to  the  former  ages  join  the  laft;  20 

Still,  as  the  godlike  heroes  to  me  rife. 
In  arms  triumphant,  and  in  councils  wife. 
The  king  is  ever  prefent  to  my  mind; 
His  greatnefs,  trac'd  in  every  page,  I  find:  24 

The  Greek  and  Roman  pens  his  virtues  tell. 
And  under  fhining  names  on  Brunfwick  dwell. 

At  Hampton  while  he  breathes  untainted  air. 
And  feems,  to  vulgar  eyes,  devoid  of  care ;  2S 

The  Britifli  Mufes  to  the  grove  will  prefs. 
Tune  their  melodious  harps,  and  claim  accefs : 
But  let  them  not  too  rallily  touch  the  ftrings; 
For  fate  allows  no  fclitude  to  kings.  32 

Hail  to  the  (hades,  where  William,  great  in  arms, 
Retir'd  from  conqueft  to  Maria's  charms ! 
Where  George  ferene  in  majelty  appears. 
And  plans  the  wonders  of  fucceeding  years  !  36 

E  2  There, 


5*         A.    PHILIPS'S    POEMS. 

There,  as  he  walks,  his  comprehenfive  mind 
Surveys  the  globe,  and  takes-in  all  mankind: 
While,  Britain,  for  thy  fake  he  wears  the  crown ; 
To  fpread  thy  power  as  wide  as  his  renown ;  40 

To  make  thee  umpire  of  contending  Hates, 
And  poife  the  balance  in  the  world's  debates. 

From  the  fmooth  terrafs  as  he  cafts  his  eye. 
And  fees  the  current  fea-ward  rolling  by;  44 

What  fchemes  of  commerce  rife  in  his  defigns ! 
Pledges  of  wealth!  and  unexhaufted  mines! 
Through  winds  and  waves,  beneath  inclement  fkies. 
Where  ftars,  diilinguifh'd  by  no  name,  arife,  48 

Our  fleets  fhall  undifcover'd  lands  explore. 
And  a  new  people  hear  our  cannons  roar. 

The  rivers  long  in  ancient  ftory  fam'd. 
Shall  flow  obfcure,  nor  with,  the  Thames  be  nam'd:  52 
Nor  fliall  our  poets  copy  from  their  praife. 
And  Nymplis  and  Syrens  to  thy  honour  raife; 
Nor  make  thy  banks  with  Tritons  ftiells  refound. 
Nor  bind  thy  brows  with  humble  fedges  round:         56 
But  paint  thee  as  thou  art;  a  peopled  ftream  ! 
The  boaft  of  merchants,  and  the  feilor s  theme  ! 
Whofe  fpreading  floods  unnumber'd  fhips  fuftain. 
And  pour  whole  towns  afloat  into  the  main ;  60 

While  the  redundant  feas  waft  up  frefli  ilores. 
The  daily  tribute  of  far-diilant  Ihores. 

Back  to  thy  fource  I  try  thy  filver-train. 
That  gently  winds  through  many  a  fertile  plain  ;       64 
Where  flocks  and  lowing  herds  in  plenty  feed. 
And  Ihepherds  tune  at  eafe  the  vocal  reed : 

Ere 


EPISTLES. 


53 


Ere  yet  thy  waters  meet  the  briny  tide. 

And  freighted  veflels  down  thy  channel  ride;  6^ 

Ere  yet  thy  billows  leave  their  banks  behind. 

Swell  into  ftate,  and  foam  before  the  wind : 

Thy  fovereign's  emblem  !  in  thy  courfe  compleat ! 

When  I  behold  him  in  his  lov'd  retreat,  72 

Where  rural  fcenes  their  pleafmg  views  difclofe, 

A  fylvan  deity  the  monarch  fhows ; 

And  if  he  only  knew  the  woods  to  grace. 

To  rouze  the  flag,  and  animate  the  chace :  76 

While  every  hour,  from  thence,  his  high  commands. 

By  fpeedy  winds  convey'd  to  various  lands. 

Control  affairs;  give  weighty  councils  birth; 

And  fway  the  mighty  rulers  of  the  earth.  80 

Were  he,  our  illand's  glory  and  defence. 
To  reign  unadive,  at  the  world's  expence ; 
Say,  generous  Craggs,  who  then  fhould  quell  the  rage 
Of  lawlefs  faftion,  and  reform  the  age  ?  84 

Who  iliould  our  dear-bought  liberties  maintain  ? 
Who  fix  our  leagues  with  France,  and  treat  with  Spain? 
Who  check  the  headftrong  Swede;  affuage  the  Czar; 
Secure  our  peace,  and  quench  the  northern  war?       88 
The  Turk,  though  he  the  Chriftian  name  defies. 
And  curfes  Eugene,  yet  from  Eugene  flies. 
His  caufe  to  Brunfwick's  equity  dare  truft; 
He  knows  him  valiant,  and  concludes  him  juft:         92 
He  knows  his  fame  in  early  youth  acquir'd. 
When  turban'd  hofts  before  his  fword  retir'd. 

Thus  while  his  influence  to  the  poles  extends. 
Or  where  the  day  begins,  or  where  it  ends,  96 

E  3  Far 


54       A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Far  from  our  coafts  he  drives  off  all  alarms ; 

And  thofe  his  power  protefts,  his  goodnefs  charms. 

Great  in  himfelf,  and  undebas'd  with  pride. 

The  fovereign  lays  his  regal  flate  afide,  lOO 

Pleas'd  to  appear  without  the  bright  difguife 

Of  pomp;  and  on  his  inborn  worth  relies. 

His  fubjefts  are  his  guefts;  and  daily  boaft 

The  condefcenfion  of  their  royal  hoft:  1 04 

While  crowds  fucceeding  crowds  on  either  hand, 

A  ravifh'd  multitude,  admiring  Hand. 

His  manly  wit  and  fenfe,  with  candour  join'd. 

His  fpeech  with  every  elegance  refin'd,  loS 

His  winning  afpeft,  his  becoming  eafe. 

Peculiar  graces  all,  confpire  to  pleafe. 

And  render  him  to  every  heart  approv'd ; 

The  king  refpefted,  and  the  man  belov'd.  112 

Nor  is  his  force  of  genius  lefs  admir'd. 
When  moft  from  crowds  or  public  cares  rctir'd. 
The  learned  arts,  by  turns,  admittance  find; 
At  once  unbend  and  exercife  his  mind.  1 16 

The  fecret  fprings  of  Nature,  long  conceal'd. 
And  to  the  wife  by  flow  degrees  reveal'd, 
(Delightful  fearch  !)  his  piercing  thought  defcries. 
Oft  through  the  concave  azure  of  the  fkies  120 

His  foul  delights  to  range,  a  boundlefs  fpace. 
Which  myriads  of  celeftial  glories  grace ; 
Worlds  behind  worlds,  that  deep  in  jether  lye. 
And  funs,  that  twinkle  to  the  dillant  eye ;  1 24 

Or  call  them  liars,  on  which  our  fates  depend. 
And  every  ruling  flar  is  Brunfvvick's  friend. 

6  Soon 


Bik 


EPISTLES.  55 

Soon  as  the  rifing  fun  ftioots  o'er  the  ftream. 
And  gilds  the  palace  with  a  ruddy  beam,  128 

You  to  the  healthful  chace  attend  the  king. 
And  hear  the  fore  ft  with  the  huntfmen  ring : 
While  in  the  dufty  town  we  rule  the  ftate. 
And  from  Gazettes  determine  England's  fate.  132 

Our  groundlefs  hopes  and  groundlefs  fears  prevail. 
As  artful  brokers  comment  on  the  mail. 
Deafned  with  news,  with  politics  oppreft, 
1  wifh  the  wind  ne'er  vary'd  from  the  weft.  1 36 

Secure,  on  George's  councils  I  rely. 
Give  up  my  cares,  and  Britain's  foes  defy. 
What  though  cabals  are  form'd,  and  impious  leagues  ? 
Though  Rome  fills  Europe  with  her  dark  intrigues?  140 
His  vigilance,  on  every  ftate  intent. 
Defeats  their  plots,  and  over-rules  th'  event. 

But  whither  do  my  vain  endeavours  tend.' 
Or  how  ftiall  I  my  rafh  attempt  defend  ?  144 

Divided  in  my  choice,  from  praife  to  praife 
I  rove,  bewilder'd  in  the  pleafing  maze. 
One  virtue  mark'd,  another  I  purfue. 
While  yet  another  rifes  to  my  view.  148 

Unequal  to  the  tafk,  too  late  I  find 
The  growing  theme  unfinifti'd  left  behind. 
Thus,  the  deluded  bee,  in  hopes  to  drain 
At  once  the  thymy  treafure  of  the  plain,  152 

Wide  ranging  on  her  little  pinions  toils. 
And  ikims  o'er  hundred  flowers  for  one  fhe  fpoils  : 
When,  foon  o'erburden'd  with  the  fragrant  weight. 
Homeward  fhe  flies,  and  flags  beneath  her  freight.  156 
E  4  TO 


56         A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

TO     LORD     CARTERET, 
Departing   from   Dublin.     1726. 

OEHOLD,  Britannia  waves  her  flag  on  high, 
-*-'  And  calls  forth  breezes  from  the  vvellern  flcy. 
And  beckons  to  her  fon,  and  fmooths  the  tide. 
That  does  Hibernia  from  her  clitts  divide.  4 

Go,  Carteret,  go ;  and,  with,  thee,  go  along 
The  nation's  blefling,  and  the  poet's  fong; 
Loud  acclamations,  with  melodious  lays. 
The  kindeft  vvifhes,  and  fmcereft  praile.  t 

Go,  Carteret,  go;  and  bear  my  joys  away! 
So  fpeaks  the  Mufe,  that  fain  would  bid  thee  flay : 
So  fpoke  the  virgin  to  the  youth  unkind. 
Who  gave  his  vows,  and  canvafs,  to  the  wind,  1 2 

And  promis'd  to  return ;  but  never  more 
Did  he  return  to  the  Threician  fhore. 

Go,  Carteret,  go :  alas,  a  tedious  while 
Haft  thou  been  abfent  from  thy  mother-ifle ;  16 

A  flow-pac'd  train  of  montlis  to  thee  and  thine, 
A  flight  of  moments  to  a  heart  like  mine. 
That  feels  perfeftions,  and  refigns  with  pain 
Enjoyments  I  may  never  know  again.  20 

O,  while  mine  eye  purfues  the  fading  fails. 
Smooth  roll,  ye  waves,  and  fteady  breathe,  ye  gales. 
And  urge  with  gentle  fpeed  to  Albion's  ftrand 
A  houfliold  fair,  amidft  the  faireft  land,  24 

In  every  decency  of  life  polite, 
A  fi-eight  of  virtues,  wafting  from  my  fight : 

And 


EPISTLES.  57 

And  now  farewel,  O  early  in  renown, 

lllultrious,  young,  in  labours  for  the  crown,  28 

Juft,  and  benign,  and  vigilant,  in  power. 

And  elegant  to  grace  the  vacant  hour. 

Relaxing  fvveet  !   Nor  are  we  born  to  wear 

The  brow  ftill  bent,  and  give  up  life  to  care  :  32 

And  thou,  mild  glory,  beaming  round  his  fame, 

Francifca,  thou,  his  firft,  his  lateft  flame  ; 

Parent  of  bloom  !  In  pleafing  arts  refin'd  ! 

Farewel  thy  hand,  and  voice,  in  mufic  join'd ;  36 

Thy  courtefy,  as  foothing  as  thy  fong. 

And  fmiles  foft-gleaming  on  the  courtly  throng  : 

And  thou,  CharifTa,  haftening  to  thy  prime. 

And  Carolina,  chiding  tardy  Time,  40 

Who  every  tender  wifh  of  mine  divide. 

For  whom  I  Ilrung  the  lyre,  once  laid  afide. 

Receive,  and  bear  in  mind,  my  fond  farewell. 

Thrive  on  in  life  !   and,  thriving  on,  excell  !  44, 

Accept  this  token,  Carteret,  of  good-will. 
The  voice  of  nature,  undebas'd  by  fkill, 
Thefe  parting  numbers,  cadenc'd  by  my  grief. 
For  thy  lov'd  fake,  and  for  my  own  relief,  a,8 

If  aught,  alas,  thy  abfencc  may  relieve. 
Now  I  am  left,  perhaps,  through  life  to  grieve  : 
Yet  would  I  hope,  yet  hope  I  know  not  why, 
(But  hopes  and  wifhes  in  one  balance  lie)  52 

Thou  may'ft  revifit,  with  thy  wonted  fmiles, 
lerna,  ifland  fet  around  with  ifles : 
May  the  fame  heart,  that  bids  thee  now  adieu. 
Salute  thy  fails,  and  hail  thee  into  view  !  56 

ODES. 


[    S8    ] 
ODE 


SONG. 

I. 

■P  R  O  M   White's  and  WiU's 

■■•        To  purling  rills 

The  love-fick  Strephon  flies ; 

There,  full  of  woe. 

His  numbers  flow. 
And  all  in  rhyme  he  dies. 

II. 

The  fair  coquet. 

With  feign'd  regret. 
Invites  him  back  to  town  ; 

But,  when  in  tears 

The  youth  appears. 
She  meets  him  with  a  frown. 

III. 

Full  oft  the  maid 
This  prank  had  play'd, 

'Till  angry  Stephon  fwore. 
And,  what  is  ftrange. 
Though  loth  to  change. 

Would  never  fee  her  more. 


SONG. 


ODES.  S9 

SONG. 

I. 

"^T  7  H  Y  we  love,  and  why  we  hate, 

^  ^       Is  not  granted  us  to  know  : 
Random  chance,  or  wilful  fate. 

Guides  the  fhaft  from  Cupid's  bow. 

II. 

If  on  me  Zelinda  frown, 

Madnefs  'tis  in  me  to  grieve  : 
Since  her  will  is  not  her  own. 

Why  fhould  I  uneafy  live  ! 

III. 
If  I  for  Zelinda  die. 

Deaf  to  poor  Mizella's  cries, 
Afk  not  me  the  reafon  why  : 

Seek  the  riddle  in  the  Ikies. 

TO      SIGNORA      CUZZONI. 

May  25,  1724. 

T    I  T  T  L  E  Syren  of  the  ftage, 

-*— '  Charmer  of  an  idle  age. 

Empty  warbler,  breathing  lyre. 

Wanton  gale  of  fond  defire,  a 

Bane  of  every  manly  art. 

Sweet  enfeebler  of  the  heart ! 

O,  too 


6o      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

O,  too  pleafing  in  thy  ftrain. 

Hence,  to  fouthern  climes  again  ; 

Tuneful  mifchief,  vocal  fpell. 

To  this  ifland  bid  farewell ; 

Leave  us  as  we  ought  to  be. 

Leave  the  Britons  rough  and  free.  ] 

To  the  Memory  of  the  late 
EARL       OF       HALIFAX. 

June  30,  17 18. 

-ITT- E  E  P  I  N  G  o'er  thy  facred  urn, 
•  ^     Ever  fhall  the  Mufes  mourn; 

Sadly  fhall  their  numbers  flow. 

Ever  elegant  in  vv'oe. 

Thoufands,  nobly  born,  fhall  die, 

Thoufands  in  oblivion  lie. 

Names,  which  leave  no  trace  behind. 

Like  the  clouds  before  the  wind. 

When  the  dufky  (hadows  pafs. 

Lightly  fleeting  o'er  the  grafs. 
But,  O  Halifax,  thy  name 

Shall  through  ages  rife  in  fame  :  l 

Sweet  remembrance  flialt  thou  find. 

Sweet  in  every  noble  mind. 


To 


ODES.  6i 

To  the  Honourable 
MISS      CARTERET. 

BLOOM  of  beauty,  early  flower 
Of  the  blisful  bridal  bower. 
Thou,  thy  parents  pride  and  care, 
Faireft  offspring  of  the  fair,  4 

Lovely  pledge  of  mutual  love. 
Angel  feeming  from  above. 
Was  it  not  thou  day  by  day 

Doft  thy  very  fex  betray,  8 

Eemale  more  and  more  appear. 
Female,  more  than  angel  dear. 
How  to  fpeak  thy  face  and  mien, 
(Soon  too  dangerous  to  be  feen)  12 

How  Ihall  I,  or  Ihall  the  Mufe, 
Language  of  refemblance  chufe  ? 
Language  like  thy  mien  and  face. 
Full  of  fweetnefs,  full  of  grace  !  i6 

By  the  next  returning  fpring, 
When  again  the  linnets  fmg. 
When  again  the  lambkins  play. 
Pretty  fportlings  full  of  May,  zo 

When  the  meadows  next  are  feen. 
Sweet  enamel !  white  and  green. 
And  the  year  in  frelh  attire. 

Welcomes  every  gay  defire,  24 

Blooming  on  flialt  thou  appear 
More  inviting  than  the  year. 

Fairer 


62      A.    PHILIPS'S    POEMS. 

Fairer  fight  than  orchard  fhows. 

Which  befide  a  river  blows  :  28 

Yet,  another  fpring  I  fee. 

And  a  brighter  bloom  in  thee : 

And  another  round  of  time. 

Circling,  flill  improves  thy  prime  :  32 

And,  beneath  the  vernal  fkies. 

Yet  a  verdure  more  (hall  rife. 

Ere  thy  beauties,  kindling  flow. 

In  each  finilh'd  feature  glow,  36 

Ere,  in  fmiles  and  in  difdain. 

Thou  exert  thy  maiden  reign, 

Abfolute  to  fave,  or  kill. 

Fond  beholders,  at  thy  will.  40 

Then  the  taper-moulded  wafle 
With  a  fpan  of  ribbon  brac'd. 
And  the  fwell  of  either  breaft. 
And  the  wide  high-vaulted  cheft,  44 

And  the  neck  fo  white  and  round. 
Little  neck  with  brilliants  bound. 
And  the  ftore  of  charms  which  fhine 
Above,  in  lineaments  divine,  48 

Crowded  in  a  narrow  fpace 
To  complete  the  defperate  face, 
Thefe  alluring  powers,  and  more. 
Shall  enamour 'd  youths  adore  ;  52 

Thefe,  and  more,  in  courtly  lays. 
Many  an  aking  heart  fhall  praife. 

Happy  thrice,  and  thrice  again, 
Happieft  he  of  happy  men,  56 

Who, 


ODES.  63 

Who,  in  courtfliip  greatly  fped. 

Wins  the  damfel  to  his  bed. 

Bears  the  virgin-prize  away. 

Counting  life  one  nuptial  day  :  60 

For  the  dark-brown  dufk  of  hair. 

Shadowing  thick  thy  forehead  fair, 

Down  the  veiny  temples  growing. 

O'er  the  floping  Ihoulders  flowing,  64 

And  the  fmoothly  pencil'd  brow. 

Mild  to  him  in  every  vow. 

And  the  fringed  lid  below. 

Thin  as  thinneft  blofToms  blow,  6^ 

And  the  hazely-lucid  eye. 

Whence  heart-winning  glances  fly. 

And  that  cheek  of  health,  o'erfpread 

With  foft-blended  white  and  red,  72 

And  the  witching  fmiles  which  break 

Round  thofe  lips,  which  fweetly  fpeak, 

And  thy  gentlenefs  of  mind. 

Gentle  from  a  gentle  kind,  76 

Thefe  endowments,  heavenly  dower  ! 

Brought  him  in  the  promis'd  hour. 

Shall  for  ever  bind  him  to  thee. 

Shall  renew  him  ftill  to  woo  thee.  86 


On 


64      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

On  the  Death  of  the  Right  Honourable 
WILLIAM  EARL  COWPER.     1723. 

STROPHE     I. 

^^T  A  K  E  the  Britifh  harp  again, 

^  '      To  a  fad  melodious  ftrain ; 
Wake  the  harp,  whofe  every  firing. 
When  Halifax  refign'd  his  breath,  4 

Accus'd  inexorable  death  ; 
For  I,  once  more,  muft  in  affliflion  fing. 
One  fong  of  forrow  more  bellow. 
The  burden  of  a  heart  o'ercharg'd  with  woe  :  8 

Yet,  O  my  foul,  if  aught  may  bring  relief. 
Full  many,  grieving,  fhall  applaud  thy  grief. 
The  pious  verfe,  that  Cowper  does  deplore. 
Whom  all  the  boafted  powers  of  verfe  cannot  rellore. 

ANTISTROPHE    I. 

Not  to  her,  liis  fondeft  care. 
Not  to  his  lov'd  offspring  fair. 
Nor  his  country  ever  dear. 

From  her,  from  them,  from  Britain  torn  :  16 

With  her,  with  them,  does  Britain  mourn  : 
His  name,  from  every  eye,  calls  forth  a  tear ; 
And,  intermingling,   fighs  with  praife. 
All  good  men  wifh  the  number  of  his  days  20 

Had 


ODES.  6$ 

Had  been  to  him  twice  told,  and  twice  again. 

In  that  feal'd  book,  where  all  things  which  pertain 

To  mortal  man,  whatever  things  befall. 

Are  from  eternity  confirm'd,  beyond  recall :  24 

E  P  O  D  E     I. 
Where  every  lofs,  and  every  gain. 
Where  every  grief,  and  every  joy. 
Every  pleafure,  every  pain. 

Each  bitter,  and  each  fweet  alloy,  28 

To  us  uncertain  though  they  flow. 
Are  pre-ordain'd,  and  fix'd,  above. 
Too  wretched  ftate,  did  man  foreknow 
Thofe  ills,  which  man  cannot  remove  1  32 

Vain  is  wifdom  for  preventing 
What  the  wifeft  live  lamenting. 

STROPHE     II. 
Hither  fent,  who  knows  the  day 

When  he  fnall  be  call'd  away  ?  36 

Various  is  the  term  affign'd : 
An  hour,  a  day,  fome  months,  or  year^j 
The  breathing  foul  on  earth  appears : 
But,  through  the  fvafc  fuccefiion  of  mankind,  40, 

Swarm  after  f.varm  !   a  bufy  race. 
The  ftrength  of  cities,  or  of  courts  the  grace. 
Or  who  in  camps  delight,  or  who  abide 
DifFus'd  o'er  lands,  or  float  on  oceans  wide,  44 

Of  them,  though  many  here  long-lingering  dwell. 
And  fee  their  children's  children,  yet,  how  few  excel ! 
Vol.  LVII.  F  A  N  T  I- 


66 


A.  P  H  I  L  I  P  S  ^  S     POEMS. 


ANTISTROPHE    II. 
Here  we  come,  and  hence  we  go. 

Shadows  paffing  to  and  fro. 

Seen  a  while,  forgotten  foon  : 

But  thou,  to  fair  diftinftion  born. 

Thou,  Cowper,  beamy  in  the  morn 

Of  life,  ftill  brightening  to  the  pitch  of  noon. 

Scarce  verging  to  the  fteep  decline. 

Hence  fummon'd  while  thy  virtues  radiant  fhine. 

Thou  fingleid  out  the  fofterling  of  fame. 

Secure  of  praife,  nor  lefs  fecur'd  from  blame, 

Shalt  be  remember'd  with  a  fond  applaufe. 

So  long  as  Britons  own  the  fame  indulgent  laws. 


52 


E  P  O  D  E    IL 
United  in  one  public  weal. 
Rejoicing  in  one  freedom,  all, 
Cowper's  hand  apply'd  the  feal. 
And  level'd  the  partition-waU. 
The  chofen  feeds  of  great  events 
Are  thinly  fown,  and  flowly  rife : 
And  Time  the  harveil-fcythe  prefents. 
In  feafon,  to  the  good  and  wife : 
Hymning  to  the  harp  my  ftory,. 
Fain  would  I  record  his  glory. 


STROPHE 

Pouring  forth,  with  heavy  heart. 
Truth  unleaven'd,  pure  of  art, 
6 


III. 


60 


64 


^3 


Like 


ODES,  (>i 

Like  the  hallow'd.  Bard  of  yore. 

Who  chaunted  in  authentic  rhymes  72 

The  worthies  of  the  good  old  times. 

Ere  living  vice  in  verfe  was  varnifli'd  o'er. 

And  virtue  died  without  a  fong. 

Support  of  friendlefs  right,  to  powerful  v/rong  76 

A  check,  behold  him  in  the  judgment-feat  1 

Twice,  there,  approv'd,  in  righteoufnefs  compleat : 

In  juft  awards,  how  gracious  !  tempering  law 

With  mercy,  and  reproving  with  a  Vv'inning  awe.       80 

ANTISTROPHE     III. 
Hear  him  fpeaking,  and  you  hear 
Reafon  tuneful  to  the  ear  ! 
Lips  with  thymy  language  fweet, 

Diftilling  on  the  hearer's  mind  84 

The  balm  of  wifdom,  fpeech  refin'd, 
Celeftial  gifts  !— -Oh,  when  the  nobles  meet. 
When  next,  thou  fea-furrounded  land. 
Thy  nobles  meet  at  Brunfwick's  high  command,      88 
In  vain  they  ihall  the  charmer's  voice  defire ! 
In  vain  thofe  lips  of  eloquence  require  ! 
That  mild  convidlion,  which  the  foul  afTails 
By  foft  alarms,  and  with  a  gent'c  force  prevails !     52 

E  P  O  D  E    III. 

To  fuch  perfuafion,  willing  yields 
The  liberal  mind,  in  freedom  train'd. 
Freedom,  which,  in  crimfon'd  fields. 
By  hardy  toil  our  fathers  gain'd,  06 

f  2  In 


68  A.    PHILIPS'SPOEMS. 

Inheritance  of  long  defcent ! 

The  facred  pledge,  fo  dearly  priz'd 

Ey  that  blefs'd  fpirit  we  lament: 

Grief-eafing  lays,  by  grief  devis'd,  loo 

Plaintive  numbers,  gently  Rowing, 

Sooth  the  forrows  to  him  owing  1 

STROPHE    IV. 

Early  on  his  growing  heir. 

Stamp  what  time  may  not  impair,  104 

As  he  grows,  that  coming  years. 

Or  youthful  pleafures,  or  the  vain 

Gigantic  phantom  of  the  brain 

Ambition,  breeding  monftrous  hopes  and  fears,      loS 

Or  worthier  cares,  to  youth  unknown. 

Ennobling  manhood,  flower  of  life  full-blown. 

May  never  wear  tlie  bofom-image  faint : 

O,  let  him  prove  what  words  but  weakly  paint,       1 1  z 

The  lively  lovely  femblance  of  his  fire, 

A  model  to  his  fon  I  that  ages  may  admire  ! 

ANTISTROPHE    I\\ 
Every  virtue,  every  grace. 

Still  renewing  in  the  race,  1 1.6 

Once  thy  father's  pleafmg  hope. 
Thy  widow'd  mother's  comfort  now. 
No  fuller  blifs  does  heaven  allow. 
While  we  behold  yon  wide-fpread  azure  cope,         123 
With  burning  liars  thick-lufter'd  o'er. 
Than  to  enjoy,  and  to  deferve,  a  llore 

Of 


ODES.  69 

Of  treafur'd  fame,  by  blamelefs  deeds  acquir'd. 
By  all  unenvied,  and  by  all  defired,  124 

Free-gift  of  men,  the  tribute  of  good-will ! 
Rich  in  this  patrimony  fair,  increafe  it  ftill. 

E  P  O  D  E     IV. 

The  fullnefs  of  content  remains 

Above  the  yet  unfathom'd  fkies,  '  128 

Where,  triumphant,  glainefs  reigns. 

Where  wifhes  ceafe,  and  pleafures  rife 

Beyond  all  wifh ;  where  bitter  tears 

For  dying  friends  are  never  fhed;  132 

Where,  fighing,  none  defire  pafs'd  years ; 

R-ecall'd,  or  wifh  the  future  fled. 

Mournful  meafures,  O,  relieve  me  ! 

Sweet  remembrance  !  ceafe  to  grieve  me.  136 

STROPHE     V. 
He  the  robe  of  jultice  wore 
Sully'd  not,  as  heretofore. 
When  the  magiftrate  was  fought 

With  yearly  gifts.     Of  what  avail  140 

Are  guilty  hoards  ?  for  life  is  frail ; 
And  we  are  judg'd  where  favour  is  not  bought. 
By  him  forewarn'd,  thou  frantic  ifle. 
How  did  the  thirfi:  of  gold  thy  fons  beguile  !  144 

Beneath  the  fpecious  ruin  thoufands  groan'd. 
By  him,  alas,  forewarn'd,  by  him  bemoan'd. 
Where  fhall  his  like,  on  earth,  be  found  ?  oh,  when 
Shall  I,  once  more,  behold  the  molt  belov'd  of  men  ! 
F  3  A  N  T  I- 


70       A.    P  H  1  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

ANTISTROPHE     V. 

Winning  afpeft  !  winning  mind  ! 

Soul  and  body  aptly  join'd  ! 

Searching  thought,  engaging  wit. 

Enabled  to  inftrudt,  or  pleafe,  1^2 

Uniting  dignity  with  cafe. 

By  nature  form'd  for  every  purpofe  fit. 

Endearing  excellence  !---0,  why 

Is  fuch  perfedtion  born,  and  born  to  die  ?  I  c6 

Or  do  fuch  rare  endowments  ftill  furvive. 

As  plants,  remov'd  to  milder  regions  thrive. 

In  one  eternal  fpring  ?  and  we  bewail 

The  parting  foul,  new-born  to  life  that  cannot  fail.  1 6o 

E  P  O  D  E    V. 

Where  facred  friendfhip,  plighted  love. 

Parental  joys,  unmix'd  with  care. 

Through  perpetual  time  improve  ? 

Or  do  the  deathlefs  bleffed  fliare  164  j 

Sublimer  raptures,  unr^veai'd. 

Beyond  our  weak  conception  pure  ? 

But,  while  thofe  glories  lie  conceal'd. 

The  righteous  count  the  promife  fure,  j68 

Trials  to  the  laft  enduring. 

To  the  lall  their  hope  fecuring. 


To 


71 


TO    THE     RIGHT    HONOURABLE 

WILLIAM    PULTENEY,  ESQUIRE. 

May   1,  1723. 

I. 
"^TTHO,  much  diflinguifh'd,  yet  is  blefs'd  ? 
^  '      Who,  dignified  above  the  reft. 
Does,  ftill,  unenvied  live  ? 
Not  to  the  man  whofe  wealth  abounds,  4 

Nor  to  the  man  whofe  fame  refounds. 
Does  heaven  fuch  favour  give. 
Nor  to  the  noble -born,  nor  to  the  ftrong. 
Nor  to  the  gay,  the  beautiful,  or  young,  8 

IL 
Whom  then,  fecure  of  happinefs. 
Does  every  eye  beholding  blefs. 
And  every  tongue  commend  ? 
Him,  Pulteney,  who,  poffeffing  ftore,  iz 

Is  not  folicitous  of  more. 
Who,  to  mankind  a  friend. 
Nor  envies,  nor  is  envied  by,  the  great. 
Polite  in  courts,  polite  in  his  retreat:  16 

IIL 
Whofe  unambitious,  adive  foul. 
Attends  the  welfare  of  the  whole. 

When  public  ftornib  arife. 
And,  in  the  calm,  a  thoufand  ways  20 

Diverfifies  his  nights  and  days, 
btill  elegantly  wife; 

F  4  While 


72  -a:   PHILIP  s  's   poems. 

While  books,  each  morn,  the  llghtfome  foul  invite. 
And  friends,  with  fcafon'd  mirth,  improve  the  night. 
IV. 
In  him  do  men  no  blemiih  fee  ; 
And  factions  in  his  praife  agree. 
When  moft  they  vex  the  Hate  : 
Diftinguifh'd  favourite  of  the  ikies,  28 

Belov'd  he  lives,  lamented  dies: 
Yet,  fhall  he  not  to  fate 
Submit  entire;  the  refcuiiig  Mufe  fnall  fave 
Hie  precious  name,  and  win  him  from  the  grave.     32 

y. 

Too  frail  is  brafs  and  polifh'd  ftone ; 
Perpetual  fame  the  Mufe  alone 

On  merit  can  beftow : 
Yet,  muil  the  time-enduring  fong,  36 

The  verfe  unrival'd  by  the  throng. 
From  Nature's  bounty  flow: 
Th'  ungifted  tribe  in  metre  pafs  away. 
Oblivion's  fport,  the  poets  of  a  day.  ^o 

What  laws  fhall  o'er  the  Ode  prcfide  ? 
In  vain  would  art  prefume  to  guide 

The  chariot-wheels  of  praife. 
When  Fancv,  driving,  ranges  free,  4/j. 

Frefh  flowers  feledting,  like  the  bee. 
And  regularly  ftra)  s, 
V.'hile  Nature  does,  difdaining  aids  of  fkill, 
The  mind  with  thought,  the  ears  with  numbers,  fill.  48 

VII.  As 


ODES.  l^ 

VII. 

As  when  the  Theban  hymns  divine 
Make  proud  Olympian  vidtors  Ihine 

In  an  eternal  blaze. 
The  varying  meafures,  ever  new,  5  2 

Unbeaten  tracks  of  fame  purfue. 
While  through  the  glorious  maze 
The  poet  leads  his  heroes  to  renown. 
And  weaves  in  verfe  a  never-fading  crov/n,  56 

To   Mifs    Margaret    Pultenev,    Daughter   of 
Daniel   Pulteney,    Efq.  in  the  Nurfery. 

April  27,  1727. 

Y)  IMPLY  damfel,  fweetly  fmiling, 
-■-^   All  carefling,  none  beguiling. 
Bud  of  beauty,  fairly  blowing, 
Every  charm  to  Nature  owing,  4. 

This  and  that  new  thing  admiring. 
Much  of  this  and  that  enquiring. 
Knowledge  by  degrees  attaining. 
Day  by  day  fome  virtue  gaining,  8 

Ten  years  hence,  when  I  leave  chiming, 
Beardlefs  poets,  fondly  rhyming, 
(Fefcued  now,  perhaps,  in  fpelling,) 
On  thv  riper  beauties  dwelling,  1 2 

Shall  accufe  each  killing  feature 
Of  the  cruel,  charming,  creature. 
Whom  I  knew  complj'ing,  willing, 
Tender,  and  averfe  from  killing.  16 

To 


74      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

To  Mifs  Charlotte    Pulteney, 
in  her  Mother's  Arms. 

May  I,   1724. 

TIMELY  bloffom,  infant  fair. 
Fondling  of  a  happy  p^r. 
Every  morn,  and  every  night. 
Their  folicitous  delight,  4 

Sleeping,  waking.  Hill  at  cafe, 
Pleafmg,  without  fkill  to  pleafe. 
Little  goffip,  blithe  and  hale. 
Tattling  many  a  broken  tale,  8 

Singing  many  a  tunelefs  fong, 
Lavifh  of  a  heedlefs  tongue. 
Simple  maiden,  void  of  art. 

Babbling  out  the  very  heart,  12 

Yet  abandon'd  to  thy  v/ill. 
Yet  imagining  no  ill. 
Yet  too  innocent  to  blufli. 

Like  the  linnet  in  the  bufh.  1 6 

To  the  mother-linnet's  note 
Moduling  her  flender  throat. 
Chirping  forth  thy  petty  joys, 
^yanton  in  the  change  of  toys,  20 

Like  the  linnet  green,  in  May, 
Flitting  to  each  bloomy  fpray. 
Wearied  then,  and  glad  of  reft. 
Like  the  linnet  in  the  neft.  24 

This 


ODES.  75 

This  thy  prefent  happy  lot. 

This,  in  time,  will  be  forgot : 

Other  pleafures,  other  cares, 

Ever-bufy  time  prepares  ;  28 

And  thou  (halt  in  thy  daughter  fee. 

This  pifture,  once,  refembled  thee. 


TO    THE     RIGHT     HONOURABLE 

ROBERT    WALPOLE,    ESQJJIRE. 
June  15,  1724. 

VOTARY  to  publick  zeal, 
Minifter  of  England's  weal. 
Have  you  leifure  for  a  fong, 

Tripping  lightly  o'er  the  tongue,  4 

Swift  and  fweet  in  every  meafure. 
Tell  me,  Walpole,  have  you  leifure  ? 
Nothing  lofty  will  I  fmg. 

Nothing  of  the  favourite  king,  8 

Something,  rather,  fung  with  eafe. 
Simply  elegant  to  pleafe. 

Fairy  Virgin,  Britifh  Mufe, 
Some  unhear'd-of  ftory  chufe  :  12 

Chufe  the  glory  of  the  fwain. 
Gifted  with  a  magic  {train. 
Swaging  grief  of  every  kind. 
Healing,  with  a  verfe,  the  mind  :  x6 

To  him  came  a  man  of  power. 
To  him,  in  a  cheerlefs  hour  ; 

When 


76      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

When  the  fwain,  by  Druids  taught. 
Soon  divin'd  his  irkfome  thought. 
Soon  the  maple  harp  he  flrung. 
Soon,  with  filver-accent,  fung. 

"  Steerer  of  a  mighty  realm, 
"  Pilot,  waking  o'er  the  helm, 
''  Blcfling  of  thy  native  foil, 
"  Weary  of  a  thanklefs  toil, 
'♦  Cart  repining  thought  behind, 
"  Give  thy  trouble  to  the  wind. 
"  Mortal,  deftin'd  to  excel, 
"  Bear  the  blame  of  doing  well, 
"  Like  the  worthies  great  of  old, 
"  In  the  lift  of  fame  enroll 'd. 
"  What,  though  titles  thou  decline  : 
"  Still  the  more  thy  virtues  fhine. 
"  Envy,  with  her  ferpent  eye, 
"  Marks  each  praife  that  foars  on  high. 
"  To  thy  lot  refign  thy  will  : 
"  Every  good  is  mix'd  with  ill. 
"  See,  the  white  unblemifh'd  rofe 
"  On  a  thorny  bramble  blows  : 
"  See,  the  torrent  pouring  rain 
"  Does  the  limpid  fountain  ftain  : 
"  Sec,  the  giver  of  the  day 
"  Urgeth  on,  through  clouds,  his  way  : 
"  Nothing  is,  entirely,  blefs'd ; 
"  Envy  does  thy  worth  atteft. 

"  Plcafing  vifions,  at  command, 
"  Anfwer  to  my  voice  and  hand  ; 


28 


32 


36 


40 


44 


"  Quick, 


ODES.  77 

"  Quick,  the  bllfsful  fcene  prepare, 

"  Sooth  the  patriot's  heavy  care  : 

"  Vifions,  cheering  to  the  ftght, 

"  Give  him  earneft  of  delight.  5  2 

"  Wife  difpofer  of  affairs, 
"  View  the  end  of  all  thy  cares  ! 
"  Forward  caft  thy  ravifh'd  eyes, 
"  See  the  gladdening  harveft  rife  :  56 

"  Lo,  the  people  reap  thy  pain  ! 
*'  Thine  the  labor,  theirs  the  gain. 
"  Yonder  turn,  awhile,  thy  view, 
**  Turn  thee  to  yon  fpreading  yew,  60 

"  Once  the  gloomy  tree  of  fate, 
"  Once  the  plighted  virgin's  hate  : 
"  Now,  no  longer,  does  it  grow, 
"  Parent  of  the  warring  bow  :  64 

"  See,  beneath  the  guiltlefs  fhade, 
*'  Peafants  fliape  the  plow  and  fpade, 
"  Refcued,  ever,  from  the  fear 
"  Ofthe  whiftling  fhaftandfpear.  68 

"  Lo,  where  plenty  comes,  with  peace  '. 
"  Hear  the  breath  of  murmur  ceafe  : 
*'  See,  at  laft,  unclouded  days  ; 
"Hear,  at  laft,  unenvied  praife.  -2 

"  Nothing  {hall  thy  foul  moleft ; 
"  Labour  is  the  price  of  reft. 

"  Mortal,  deftin'd  to  excel, 
«  Blefs  the  toil  of  doing  well !"  76 

SUPPLl^ 


78      A.    PHILIPS'S    POEMS. 

SUPPLICATION  FOR  Miss  CARTERET 
IN  THE  Small-Pox. 

Dublin,   July  31,    1725. 

T)  O  W  E  R  o'er  every  power  fupreme, 

•^     Thou  the  poet's  hallow'd  theme. 

From  thy  mercy-feat  on  high. 

Hear  my  numbers,  hear  my  cry.  ^ 

Breather  of  all  vital  breath. 

Arbiter  of  life  and  death. 

Oh,  preferve  this  innocence. 

Yet  unconfcious  of  offence,  % 

Yet  in  life  and  virtue  growing. 

Yet  no  debt  to  Nature  owing. 

Thou,  who  giv'ft  angelic  grace 
To  the  blooming  virgin  face,  1 2 

Let  the  fell  difeafe  not  blight 
What  thou  mad'ft  for  man's  delight : 
O'er  her  features  let  it  pafs 

Like  the  breeze  o'er  fpringing  grafs,  xd 

Gentle  as  refrefhing  Ihowers 
Sprinkled  over  opening  flowers. 
O,  let  years  alone  diminilh 
Beauties  thou  waft  pleas'd  to  finilh.  20 

To  the  pious  parents  give 
That  the  darling  fair  may  live  : 
Turn  to  bleffings  all  their  care. 
Save  their  fondnefs  from  defpair.  24 

Mitigate 


ODES.  79 

Mitigate  the  lurking  pains 

Lodg'd  within  her  tender  veins ; 

Soften  every  throb  of  anguifh. 

Suffer  not  her  ftrength  to  languiih  ;  28 

Take  her  to  thy  careful  keeping. 

And  prevent  the  mother's  weeping. 

TO     MISS     GEORGIAN  A, 

YOUNGEST     DAUGHTER     TO 

LORD  CARTERET, 

August    10,   1725. 

LITTLE  charm  of  placid  mien. 
Miniature  of  beauty's  queen. 
Numbering  years,  a  fcanty  Nine, 
Stealing  hearts  without  defxgn,  4 

Young  inveigler,  fond  in  wiles. 
Prone  to  mirth,  profufe  in  fmiles. 
Yet  a  novice  in  difdain, 

Pleafure  giving  without  pain,  8 

Still  carcffing,  ftill  carefs'd. 
Thou,  and  all  thy  lovers  blefs'd. 
Never  teiz'd,  and  never  teizing, 
O,  for  ever  pleas'd  and  pleafmg  !  12 

Hither,  Britifh  Mufe  of  mine. 
Hither  all  the  Grecian  Nine, 
With  the  lovely  Graces  three. 
And  your  promis'd  nurfeling  fee  :  16 

Figure 


So       A.    P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  3     POEMS. 

Figure  on  her  waxen  mind 

Images  of  life  refin'd  ; 

Make  it,  as  a  garden  gay. 

Every  bud  of  thought  difplay,  20 

Till,  improving  year  by  year. 

The  whole  culture  fnall  appear. 

Voice,  and  fpeech,  and  aftion,  rifing. 

All  to  human  fenfe  furprizing.  24 

Is  the  filken  web  fo  thin 

As  the  texture  of  her  Ikin  ? 

Can  the  lily  and  the  rofe 

Such  unfully'd  hue  difclofe  ?  28 

Are  the  violets  fo  blue 

As  her  veins  expos'd  to  view  ? 

Do  the  ftars,  in  wintery  fky. 

Twinkle  brighter  than  her  eye  ?  32 

Has  the  morning  lark  a  throat 

Sounding  fweeter  than  her  note  ? 

Who  e'er  knew  the  like  before  thee  ? 

They  who  knew  the  Nymph  that  bare  thee.         36 

From  thy  paftlme  and  thy  toys. 
From  thy  harmlefs  cares  and  joys. 
Give  me  now  a  moment's  time  : 
When  thou  fhalt  attain  thy  prime,  _  40 

And  thy  bofom  feel  defire. 
Love  the  likenefs  of  thy  fire. 
One  ordaln'd,  through  life,  to  prove 
Still  thy  glory,  ftill  thy  love.  44. 

Like  thy  Sifter,  and  like  thee. 
Let  thy  nurtur'd  daughters  be  : 

Semblance 


ODES.  8i 

Semblance  cf  the  fair  who  bore  thee. 

Trace  the  pattern  fet  before  thee,  48 

Where  the  Liffy  meets  the  main. 

Has  thy  Sifter  hear'd  my  ftrain : 

From  the  Liffy  to  the  Thames, 

Minllrel  echoes  fmg  their  names,  52 

Wafting  to  the  willing  ear 

Many  a  cadence  fweet  to  hear. 

Smooth  as  gently  breathing  gales 

O'er  the  ocean  and  the  vales,  56 

While  the  veffel  calmly  glides 

O'er  the  level  glaffy  tides. 

While  the  fummer  flowers  are  fprlnging. 

And  the  new-fledg'd  birds  are  fmging.  Co 


,  EPIGRAMS    AND    SHORT    POEMS. 

UPON'    THE    TOASTS   OF    THE    HANOVER    CLUB. 

'TPH  E  reigning  fair  on  polilh'd  cryftal  fhine, 
-*•     Enrich  our  glaffes,  and  improve  our  wine. 
The  favourite  names  we  to  our  lips  apply. 
Indulge  our  thoughts,  and  drink  with  ecftacy.  4 

While  thefe,  the  chofcn  beauties  of  our  ifie. 
Propitious  on  the  caufc  of  freedom  fmile. 
The  rafli  Pretender's  hopes  we  may  defpife. 
And  truft  Britannia's  fafety  to  their  eyes.  8 

ON  A  COMPANY  OF  BAD  DANCERS 
TO  GOOD  MUSIC*. 


TJT  O  W  ill  the  motion  with  the  mufic  fuits  ! 


'•-  ^   So  Orpheus  fiddled,  and  (o  danc'd  the  brutes. 


I 


*  This  Epigram  is  claimed  by  Mr.  Jeffreys,  and  is  printed 
1  his  Works. 
Vol.  L VII.  G  RPI- 


§2      A.    P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

EPIGRAM. 
/^  EORGE  came  to  the  crown  without  ftriking  a  blowr 
Ah,  quoth  the  Pretender,  would  1  could  do  fo  I 

In  AxswER  to  the  Question,  What  is  Thought  ? 
'TP  H  E  hermit's  folace  in  his  cell. 

The  lire  that  warms  the  poet's  brain. 
The  lover's  heaven,  or  his  hell. 
The  madman's  fport,  the  wife  man's  pain. 

TO    MR.    ADDISON    ON    CATO. 
'~T^  H  E  mind  to  virtue  is  by  verfe  fubdu'd. 

And  the  true  poet  is  a  public  good : 
This  Britain  feels,  while,  by  your  lines  infpir'd. 
Her  free-bom  fons  to  glorious  thoughts  are  fir'd.       4 
In  Rome  had  you  efpous'd  the  vanquifh'd  caufe, 
Inflam'd  her  fcnate  and  upheld  her  law?. 
Your  manly  fcenes  had  liberty  reftor'd. 
And  given  the  juft  fuccefs  to  Cato's  fword,  8 

O'er  Casfar's  arms  your  genius  had  prevail'd, 
And  the  Mufe  triumph'd  where  the  patriot  fail'd- 
ON    WIT     AND     \\^  I  S  D  O  M. 
A    FRAGMENT. 
T  N  fearcB.  of  wifdom  far  from  wit  I  fly : 
-^  Wit  is  a  harlot  beauteous  to  the  eye. 
In  whofe  bewitching  arms  our  early  time 
We  wafte,  and  vigour  of  our  youthful  prime  :  4 

But  when  refleftion  comes  with  riper  years. 
And  manhood  with  a  thoughtful  brow  appears. 
We  caft  the  miflrefs  off  to  take  a  wife. 
And,  wed  to  wifdom,  lead  a  happy  life.  S 

6  The 


EPITAPH.  s^ 


The  following  Epitaph  on  the  Ivloriument  of 
my  Kinfwoman  was  written  at  the  Rcqucft  of  her 
Hulband. 

WITHIN  the  Burial-Vault  near  this  Marble,  lieth 
the  Body  of  Penelope,  youngeft  Daughter  (and 
Coheir  with  her  Sifter  Elizabeth)  to  Robert 
Philips  of  Newton-Regis,  in  the  County  of  War- 
wick, Efquire.  She  died  in  her  Six  and  Thirtieth 
Year,  on  the  25th  Day  of  January,   1726. 

Let   this  Inscription, 

(Appealing  yet  to  telllmonies  manifold) 

Recall  to  every  furviving  witnefs. 

And,  for  enfample,  record  to  pollerity,         4 

Her  endowments. 

Whether  owing  to  the  iudulgency  of  nature. 

Or  to  the  affiduous  lefTons  of  education. 
Or  to  the  filcnt  admonitions  of  refledlion.  g 

To  her  parents,  hufband,  children. 
In  no  care,  no  duty,  no  afFeftion, 

Was  fl:ie  wanting. 

Receiving,  deferving,  winning,  12 

From  them  refpedlively, 

Equal  endearments. 

Of  countenance  and  of  difpofition, 

Open,  chearful,  mod^ft;  16 

O  2  Of 


84      A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

Of  behaviour,  humble,  courteous,  eafy  ; 
Offpeech,  affable,  free,  dlfcrcet; 
In  civilities,  punftual,  fincere,  and  elegant ; 
Prone  to  offices  of  kindnefs  and  good  will ;         zo 
To  enmity  a  ftranger  ; 
Forward,  earnell:,  impatient. 

To  fuccour  the  diltrefs'd. 

To    comfort    the   afflidled  ;  24 

Solicitous  for  the  poor. 

And  rich  in  ftore  of  alms  ; 

Whereby  fhe  became 

The  delight,  the  love,  the  bleffing,  of  all.      28 

In  her  houfhold  flourifhed 
Chearfulnefs,  due  order,  thrift,  and  plenty. 
In  the  clofet  retired. 
In  the  temple   public.  32 

Morning  and  evening  did  fhe  worflilp  ; 
By  inftrudion,  by  example. 
Sedulous  to  nurture  her  children  in  godlinefs : 

So  prevalent  her  love  to  them,  36 

^'ifited  with  that  fore  difeafe. 
Which  too  often  kills  or  blites 
The  mother's  fondeft  hopes. 
That  (regardlefs  of  felf-prefervation)  40 

In  pioufly  watching  over  their  lives 
She,  catching  the  infeftion,  loft  her  own. 
Triumphing,  through  refignatlon. 
Over  ficknefs,  pain,  anguifh,  agony,  44 

And  (encompaffed  with  tears  and  lamentations) 
Expiring  in  the  fervour  of  praver. 

To 


EPITAPH.  85 

To  the  Memory,  ever  dear  and  precious,  of  his  moft 
affectionate,  moft  beloved,  and  moft  deferving  Wife, 
is  this  Monument  raifed  by  H  e  n  r  y  V  e  r  n  o  n, 
of  Hilton,  in  the  County  of  Stafford,  Efquire ;  to 
him  fhe  bore  five  Sons  and  two  Daughters,  all  fur- 
viving,  fave  Elizabeth;  who  dying,  in  her  fecond 
Year,  of  the  Small-Pox,  fome  few  Days  before, 
refteth  by  her  Mother. 


THE      FABLE      OF      THULE, 
UNFINISHED. 

T?  A  R  northward  as  the  Dane  extends  his  I'way, 
Where  the  fun  glances  but  a  Hoping  ray, 
,  Beneath  the  iharpeft  rigoui'  of  the  fkies, 
Difdainful  Thule's  wintery  ifland  lies.  a 

Unhappy  maid  !  thy  tale,  forgotten  long. 
Shall  virgins  learn  from  my  inftructive  fong. 
And  every  youth,  who  lingers  in  defpair. 
By  thy  example  warn  the  cruel  fair.  8 

In  Cyprus,  facred  to  the  queen  of  love, 
(Where  ftands  her  temple,  and  her  myrtle  grove,) 
Was  Thule  born,  uncertain  how  :  'tis  faid 
Once  Venus  won  Adonis  to  her  bed,  1 2 

And  pregnant  grew,  the  birth  to  chance  affign'd 
In  woods,  and  fofter'd  by  the  feather'd  kind. 
With  flowers  fome  ftrew  the  helplefs  orphan  round. 
With  downy  mofs  fome  fpread  the  carpet  ground,    16 
G  3  Some 


86      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Some  ripen'd  fruits,  fome  fragrant  honey,  bring ; 
And  fome  fetch  water  from  the  running  fpring  ; 
While  others  warble  from  the  boughs,  to  cheer 
Their  infant-charge,  and  tune  her  tender  ear.  20 

Soon  as  the  fun  forfakes  the  evening  fkies. 
And  hid  in  (hades  the  gloomy  forell  lies. 
The  nightingales  their  tuneful  vigils  keep. 
And  lull  her,  with  their  gentler  ftrains,  to  fleep.       24 

This  the  prevailing  rumour :  as  fhe  grew. 
No  dubious  tokens  fpoke  the  rumour  true. 
In  every  forming  feature  might  be  feen 
Some  bright  refemblance  of  the  Cyprian  queen  :       28 
Nor  was  it  hard  the  hunter  youth  to  trace. 
In  all  her  early  paffion  of  the  chace  : 
And  when,  on  fpringing  flowers  reclin'd,  fhe  fung. 
The  birds  upon  the  bending  branches  hung,  32 

While,  warbling,  fhe  exprefs'd  their  various  ftrains. 
And,  at  a  diltance,  charm'd  the  liftening  fwains  : 
So  fweet  her  voice  refounding  through  the  wood. 
They  thought  the  Nymph  fome  Syren  from  the  flood. 

Half  human  thus  by  lineage,  half  divine. 
In  forefts  did  the  lonely  beauty  fliine. 
Like  woodland  flowers,  which  paint  the  defcrt  glades. 
And  wafte  their  fweets  in  unfrequented  lliades.  40 

No  human  face  Ihe  faw,  and  rarely  feen 
By  human  face  :  a  folitary  queen 
She  rul'd,  and  rang'd,  her  ihady  empire  round. 
No  honi  the  filent  huntrefs  bears ;  no  hound,  44 

With  noify  cry,  difturbs  her  folemn  chace. 
Swift,  as  the  bounding  ftag,  flie  wings  her  pace ; 

And, 


T    H    U    L     E.  87 

And,  bend  whene'er  flie  will  her  ebon  bow, 

A  fpeedy  death  arrefts  the  flying  foe.  48 

The  bow  the  hunting  goddefs  firll  fupply'd. 

And  ivory  quiver  crofs  her  fhoulders  ty'd. 

Th'  imperious  queen  of  heaven,  with  jealous  eyes. 
Beholds  the  blooming  virgin  from  the  fkies,  52 

At  once  admires,  and  dreads  her  growing  charms. 
And  fees  the  god  already  in  her  arms  : 
In  vain,  fhe  finds,  her  bitter  tongue  reproves 
His  broken  vows,  and  his  clandelHne  loves  :  56 

]ove  {till  continues  frail :  and  all  in  vain 
Does  Thule  in  obfcureft  fhades  remain. 
While  Maja's  fon,  the  thunderer's  winged  fpy. 
Informs  him  where  the  lurking  beauties  lie.  60 

What  fure  expedient  then  fhall  Juno  find. 
To  calm  her  fears,  and  eafe  her  boding  mind  ? 
Delays  to  jealous  minds  a  torment  prove; 
And  Thule  ripens  every  day  for  love.  64 

She  mounts  her  car,  and  fliakes  the  filken  reins ; 
The  harnefs'd  peacocks  fpread  their  painted  trains. 
And  fmoorh  their  gloffy  necks  againft  the  fun  : 
The  wheels  along  the  level  azure  run.  68 

Eailward  the  goddefs  guides  her  gaudy  team. 
And  perfects,  as  flie  rides,  her  forming  fcheme. 

The  various  orbs  now  pafs'd,  adown  the  freep 
Of  heaven  the  chariot  whirls,  and  plunges  deep         72 
In  fleecy  clouds,  which  o'er  the  mid-land  main 
Hang  pois'd  in  air,  to  blefs  the  ifles  with  rain : 
And  here  the  panting  birds  repofe  a  while : 
Nor  fo  their  queen ;  flie  gains  the  Cyprian  ifle,         76 
G  4  By 


8S       A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

By  fpeedy  zephyrs  borne  in  thickned  aix  : 
Unfeen  fhe  feeks,  unfeen  fhe  finds,  the  fair. 

Now  o'er  the  mountain  tops  the  rifmg  fun 
Shot  purple  rays  :  now  Thule  had  begun  80 

Her  morning  chace,  and  printed  in  the  dews 
Her  fleeting  Heps.     The  goddefs  now  purfues. 
Now  over-takes  her  in  the  full  career. 
And  flings  a  javelin  at  the  flying  deer.  84 

Amaz'd,  the  virgin  huntrefs  turns  her  eyes ; 
When  Juno,   (nov/  Diana  in  difguife,) 
Let  no  vain  terrors  difcompofe  thy  mind  ; 
My  fecond  vifit,  like  my  fir  ft,  is  kind.  88 

Thy  ivory  quiver,  and  thy  ebon  bow. 
Did  not  I  give  ? — Here  fudden  blufhes  glow 
On  Thule 's  cheeks  :  her  bufy  eyes  furvey 
The  drefs,  the  crefcent ;  and  her  doubts  give  way.  92 

I  own  thee,  goddefs  bright,  the  nymph  replies, 
Goddefs,  I  own  thee,  and  thy  favours  prize  : 
Goddefs  of  woods,  and  lawns,  and  level  plains, 
Frelh  in  my  mind  thine  image  ftill  remains.  96 

Then  Juno,  beauteous  ranger  of  the  grove. 
My  darling  care,  fair  objedl  of  my  love. 
Hither  I  com.e,  urg'd  by  no  trivial  fears. 
To  goard  thy  bloom,  and  v/arn  thy  tender  years.    100 


TRANS- 


[     89     ] 
TRANSLATIONS. 


THE  FIRST   OLYMPIONIQUE    OF   PINDAR. 

To  HiERO  of  Syracuse,  vidorious   in    the 
Horse-Race. 

argument. 
THE  Poet  praifes  Hiero  for  his  juflice,  his  wifdom, 
and  his  flcill  in  mufic.  He  likewife  celebrates  the 
horfe  that  won  the  race,  and  the  place  where  the 
Olympick  Games  were  performed.  From  the  place 
(namely  Peloponnefus)  he  takes  an  occafion  of  di- 
greffing  to  the  knov/n  fable  of  Tantalus  and  Pelops  ; 
'  whence,  returning  to  Hiero,  he  fets  forth  the  felicity 
of  the  Olympian  Viftors.  Then  he  concludes,  by 
praying  to  the  gods  to  preferve  the  glory  and  dignity 
of  Hiero,  admonilhing  him  to  moderation  of  mind, 
in  his  high  ftation;  and,  laftly,  glories  in  his  own 
excellency  in  compofitions  of  this  kind. 

STROPHE     I.     Meafures   i8. 

T?  A  C  H  element  to  water  yields ; 
^—^   And  gold,  like  blazing  fire  by  night, 
Amidfl:  the  ilores  of  wealth  that  builds 
The  mind  alofc,  is  eminently  bright; 

But 


go      A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

But  if,  my  foul,  with  fond  defire  ^ 

To  fing  of  games  thou  doft  afpire. 

As  thou  by  day  canll  not  defcry. 

Through  all  the  liquid  waite  of  fky. 

One  burnifh'd  liar,  that  like  the  fun  does  glow. 

And  cherifh  every  thhig  below,  lo 

So,  myfvveetfoul,  no  toil  divine. 

In  fong,  does  like  th'  Olympian  fhine : 

Hence  do  the  mighty  poets  raife 

A  hymn,  of  every  tongue  the  praife. 

The  fon  of  Saturn  to  refound,  i^ 

When  far,  from  every  land,  they  come 

To  vifit  Hiero's  regal  dome, 

\^^here  peace,  where  plenty,  is  for  ever  found: 

ANTISTROPHE    I.     Meafures  iS. 
Lord  of  Sicilia's  fleecy  plains. 

He  governs,  righteous  in  his  power,  20 

And,  all  exxelling  whUe  he  reigns. 
From  every  lovely  virtue  crops  the  flower: 
In  mufic,  bloiTom  of  delight. 
Divinely  Ikill'd,  he  cheers  the  night. 
As  we  are  wont,  when  friends  defign  25 

To  feaft  and  wanton  o'er  their  wine : 
But  from  the  wall  the  Dorian  harp  take  down, 
IfPifa,  city  of  renown. 
And  if  the  fleet  viftorious  Heed, 

The  boaft  of  his  unrivai'd  breed,  30 

Heart-plealing  raptures  did  infplre. 
And  v/arm  thy  breait  with  facred  fire. 

When 


ii 


TRANSLATIONS.  91 

When  late,  on  Alpheus'  crouded  fhore, 
Forth-fpringing  quick,  each  nerve  he  Itrain'd, 
The  vvarmng  of  the  fpar  difdain'd,  35 

And  fwift  to  viftory  his  mailer  bore. 

E  P  O  D  E     I.       Meafares   i6. 
The  lov'd  Syracufian,  the  prince  of  the  courfe. 
The  king,  who  delights  in  the  fpeed  of  the  Ixcrfe : 
Great  his  glory,  great  his  fame. 
Throughout  the  land  where  Lydian  Pelops  came      40 
To  plant  his  men,  a  chofen  race, 
A  land  the  ocean  does  embrace, 
Pelops,  whom  Neptune,  ruler  of  the  main. 
Was  known  to  love,  when  into  life  again. 
From  the  reviving  cauldron  warm,  45 

Clotho  produc'd  him  whole,  his  fhoulder-blade. 
And  its  firm  brawn,  of  fhining  ivory  m.ade  : 
But  truth,  mivarniih'd,  of:  neglected  lies. 
When  fabled  tales,  invented  to  furprize. 
In  miracles  mighty,  have  power  to  charm,  50 

Where  fiftions,  happily  combin'd. 
Deceive  and  captivate  the  mind: 

S  T  P.  O  P  H  E     II.      Meafures    18. 
Thus  Poefy,  harmonious  fpeil. 
The  fource  of  pleafures  ever  new. 
With  dignity  docs  wonders  tell;  55 

And  we,  amaz'd,  believe  each  wonder  true. 
Day,  after  day,  brings  truth  to  light, 
Unveird,  and  manifeft  to  fight: 

But, 


y?       A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

But,  of  the  blefs'd,  thofelips  which  name 

Foul  deeds  aloud,  fhall  fufFcr  blame.  60 

Thee,  fon  of  Tantalus,  my  faithful  fong 

Shall  vindicate  from  every  wrong. 

The  glories  of  thy  houfe  reftore. 

And  baffle  falfhoods  told  before : 

Now,  in  his  turn,  thy  fire  prepar'd  65 

A  banquet;  when  the  gods  appear'd 

At  Sipylus,  his  fweet  abode. 

To  grace  the  due  proportion'd  feaft : 

There,  firft,  the  trident-bearing  gueft 

Beheld  thy  lovely  form;  and  nov/,  he  glow'd;  70 

ANTISTROPHE     IL       Meafures  18. 
And  now,  his  foul  fubdued  by  love. 
Thee  in  his  golden  car  he  bore 
Swift  to  the  lofty  towers  of  Jove, 
Whofe  name  the  nations  all  around  adore : 
Thus  Ganymede  was  caught  on  high,  75 

To  ferve  the  power  who  rules  the  iky. 
When  thou  no  longer  didft  appear. 
And  thofe,  v/ho  fought  a  pledge  fo  dear. 
Without  thee  to  thy  widow'd  mother  came. 
Some  envious  neighbour,  to  defame  80 

Thy  father's  feaft,  a  rumour  fpread. 
The  rumour  through  the  country  fled. 
That  thou,  to  heighten  the  repaft. 
Waft  into  feething  water  caft. 

Fierce  bubbling  o'er  the  raging  fire,  85 

Thy  limbs  without  compaffion  carv'd. 

Thy 


TRANSLATIONS.  93 

Thy  foddeii  flefh  in  mefles  ferv'd. 

To  gorge  the  gods,  and  a  voracious  fire  : 

E     P    O    D    E     II.      Meafares    16. 
But,  in  thought  ever  pure,  fhall  I  deem  it  amifs. 
Vile  gluttons  to  call  the  partakers  of  blifs :  90 

Let  me  then  refrain,  and  dread : 
A  curfe  hangs  over  the  blafphem.er's  head. 
If  they,  who  fupervife  and  ward 
The  heavens,  did  ever  fhew  regard 
To  mortal  man  this  Tantalus  might  boafl,  95 

Of  mortal  men  that  he  was  honour'd  moft: 
But  he  not  able  to  digefi: 
The  glut,  the  furfeit,  of  immortal  joys. 
One  heinous  forfeit  all  his  blifs  deftroys : 
For  over  him  the  godhead  hung,  in  air,  100 

A  ponderous  ftone,  a  dreadful  poife  of  care  ! 
From  his  head  to  remove  it,  with  terror  opprefs'd, 
In  vain  he  tries,  and  feeks  in  vain 
One  chearful  moment  to  regain : 

STROPHE     III.     Meafures  18. 
A  life  of  woe,  beyond  relief,  IC5 

His  portion  now;  ordain'd  before 
To  torments  of  a  three-fold  grief. 
This  fourth  was  added  to  compleat  his  flore. 
Since,  high  prefuming  in  his  foul. 
He  neilar  and  ambrofia  ftole,  no 

To  give  to  men ;  by  v/hich  he  knew 
Thatj  tailing,  he  immortal  grew : 


94         A.     PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

But  be  not  man  deceiv'd :  the  gods  reveal 

What  moll  we  labour  to  conceal : 

For  this  the  powers,  who  deathlcfs  reign,  115 

To  earth  fent  down  his  fon  again. 

To  dwell  with  men,  a  ihort-liv'd  race, 

Whofe  fudden  fate  come  on  apace. 

His  flowery  age  in  all  its  pride. 

When,  o'er  his  chin,  a  blackening  fhade  1 20 

Of  dov/n  was  call,  a  vow  he  made. 

Deep  in  his  foul,  to  win  the  profer'd  bride. 

ANTISTROPHS    IIL    Meafures  18. 
Hippodamia,  boafted  name. 
From  her  great  fire  the  Pifan  proud. 
Alone,  by  night,  the  lover  came  125 

Befide  the  hoary  fea,  and  call'd  aloud 
On  him  who  fways  the  triple  fpear. 
And  fills  with  din  the  deafen'd  ear ; 
When,  at  his  feet,  the  god  arofe  ; 
Then  Pelops,  eager  to  difclofe  130 

His  mighty  care,  "  O  Neptune,  if  thy  mind 
"  In  love  did  ever  pleafure  find, 
"  Let  not  Oenomaiis  prevail, 
"  And  let  this  brazen  javelin  fail: 
"Oh!  bear  me  hence,  on  wheels  of  fpeed,  135 

"  To  Elis,  to  the  glorious  meed : 
"  To  victory  oh  !   whii-l  me,  ftrait  : 
"  Since,  after  ten,  and  other  three, 
"  Bold  fuiters  llain,  yet  flill  we  fee, 
"  From  year  to  year,  the  promis'd  nuptials  wait     140 

E  POD  E 


X  R  A  N  S  L  A  T  I  O  N  S.  95 

E  P  O  D  E     III.      Meafures   16. 
Of  his  daughter.     No  perilous  toil  can  excite 

■  The  daftard  in  heart,  who  defpairs  of  his  might. 

'  Since  we  all  are  born  to  die, 
''  V/ho,  overcaft,  would  in  oblivion  lie, 
"  In  unreputed  age  decay,  145 

«  And  meanly  fquander  life  away, 
"  Cut  off  from  every  praife  ?  Then  let  me  dare 
"  This  conflift,  in  the  dufty  lifts,  to  (hare  ; 
«  And  profper  thou  my  glowing  wheels." 
Thus  Pelops  fpoke;  nor  was  his  fervent  prayer        150 
Pour'd  forth  in  fruitlefs  words,  to  waft  in  air: 
The  deity  his  whole  ambition  grants  ; 
Nor  fhining  car,  nor  courfers,  now  he  wants : 
In  the  golden  bright  chariot  new  vigour  he  feels. 
Exulting  in  the  horfes'  feet,  155 

Unwearied  ever,  ever  fleet : 

STROPHE     IV.      Meafures  18. 
Oenomaiis,  he  triumphs  o'er 
Thy  prowefs,  and,  to  fliare  his  bed. 
Claims  the  bright  maid  ;  who  to  him  bore 
Six  princely  fons,  to  manly  virtues  bred.  1 60 

Now,  folemniz'd  with  fteaming  blood. 
And  pious  rites,  near  Alpheus'  flood 
Intomb'd,  he  fleeps,  where  th'  altar  ftands. 
That  draws  the  vows  of  diftant  lands  : 
And  round  his  tomb  the  circling  racers  Itrive:  165 

And  round  the  wheeling  chariots  drive. 

In 


96         A.     PHILIPS 'S     POEMS. 

In  thy  fam'd  courfes,  Pclops,  rife 

Th'  Olympian  glories  to  the  feies. 

And  fhine  afar :  there  we  behold 

The  ftretch  of  manhood,  flrenuous,  bold,  170 

In  fore  fatigues,  and  there  the  ftrife 

Of  winged  feet.     Thrice  happy  he. 

Who  overcomes  !    for  he  fhall  fee 

Unclouded  days,  and  tafte  the  fweets  of  life. 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E     IV.      Meafures  18. 
Thy  boon,  O  viftory  !   thy  prize.  175 

The  good  that,  in  a  day  obtain'd. 
From  day  to  day  frefh  joy  fupplies. 
Is  the  fupreme  of  blifs  to  man  ordain'd ; 
But  let  me  now  the  rider  raife 

And  crown  him  with  ^olian  lays,  1 80 

The  viftor's  due :  and  I  confide. 
Though  every  welcome  guell  were  try'd. 
Not  one,  in  all  the  concourfe,  would  be  found 
For  faireft  knowledge  more  renown'd. 
Nor  yet  a  mailer  more  to  twine,  185 

In  lading  hymns,  each  wreathing  line. 
The  guardian  god,  who  watchful  guides 
Thy  fortunes,  Hiero,  prefides 
O'er  all  thy  cares  with  anxious  power : 
And  foon,  if  he  does  not  deny  1 90 

His  needful  aid,  my  hopes  run  high 
To  fmg  more  pleafmg  in  the  joyful  hour, 

E  P  O  D  E 


TRANSLATIONS.  97 

E  P  O  D  E     IV.      Meafures   16. 
On  thy  chariot,  triumphant  when  thou  flialt  appear. 
And  fly  o'er  the  courfe  with  a  rapid  career. 
Tracing  paths  of  language  fair,  195 

As  I  to  Cronion's  funny  mount  repair. 
Even  now  the  Mufe  prepares  to  raife. 
Her  growth,  the  ftrongell  dart  of  praife. 
For  me  to  wield.     Approv'd  in  other  things. 
Do  others  rife,  confpicuous,  only  kings,  200 

High  mounting  on  the  fummit  fix  : 
There  bound  thy  view,  wide-fpread,  nor  vainly  try 
Farther  to  ftretch  the  profpeft  of  thine  eye  : 
Be,  then,  thy  glorious  lot  to  ti-ead  fublime. 
With  fteady  fteps,  the  meafur'd  trad  of  time  ;        205 
Be  mine,  with  the  prize-bearing  worthies  to  mix. 
In  Greece,  throughout  the  learned  throng, 
Proclaim'd  unrival'd  in  my  fong. 


Voi.  LVIT.  H  T  H  E 


98       A.    P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

THE    SECOND    OLYMPIONIQ^UE. 

To  Theron    ofAcRiGENTUM,  vidorious 

in  the  C  h  a  r  i  o  t  -  R  a  c  e. 

ARGUMENT. 

He  praifcs  Theron  king  of  Agrigentum,  on  account  of 
the  A-idory  obtained  in  the  Olympic  Games,  with  a 
chariot  and  four  horfes  ;  likewife  for  his  juftice,  his 
hofpitality,  his  fortitude,  and  the  illuftrioufnefs  of  his 
anceftors ;  whofe  adventures  are  occaiionally  men- 
tioned :  then  he  interweaves  digrefficns  to  Semele, 
Ino,  Peleus,  Achilles,  and  others,  and  defcribes  the 
future  ftate  of  the  righteous  and  of  the  vv'icked. 
Laftly,  he  concludes  with  extolling  his  own  fkill  in 
panegyrick,  and  the  benevolence  and  liberality  of 
Theron. 

STROPHE     I.       Meafures  i6. 
QOVEREIGN  hymns,  vvhofe  numbers  fway 
*^  The  founding  harp,  what  god,  what  hero,  fay. 
What  man,  fhall  we  refound  ? 
Is  not  Pifa  Jove's  delight  ? 

And  did  not  Hercules,  with  conquell  crown'd  5 

To  him  ordain 

Th'  Olympiad  for  an  army  flain. 
Thank -oftcrmg  of  the  war  ? 
And  mull  we  not,  in  Theron's  right. 
Exert  our  voice,  and  fwell  our  fong  ?  lo 

Theron,  whofe  vidlorious  car 
Four  courfers  whirl,  fleeting  along, 

6  To 


TRANSLATIONS.  99 

To  ftranger-guefts  indulgent  hoft. 

Of  Agrigentum  the  fupport  and  boaft. 

Cities  born  to  rule  and  grace,  15 

Fair  bloffom  of  his  ancient  race, 

ANTISTROPHE    I.     Meafures  16. 
Worthies  fore  perplex'd  in  thought. 
Till,  wandering  far,  they  found,  what  long  they  fought, 
A  facred  feat,  faft  by 

Where  the  ftream  does  rapid  run,  20 

And  reign'd,  of  Sicily  the  guardian  eye. 
When  happy  days. 

And  wealth,  and  favour,  flow'd,  and  praife. 
That  in-born  worth  inflames. 

Saturnian  Jove,  O!   Rhea's  fon,  25 

Who  o'er  Olympus  doll  prefide. 
And  the  pitch  of  lofty  games. 
And  Alpheus,  of  rivers  the  pride. 
Rejoicing  in  my  fongs,  do  thou 

Incline  thine  ear,  propitious  to  my  vow,  30 

Bleffing,  with  a  bounteous  hand. 
The  rich  hereditary  land. 

ERODE    I.     Meafures  10. 
Through  their  late  lineage  down.  No  power  can  adions 

part. 
Whether  deeds  of  right  or  wrong. 
As  things  not  done  recall,  35 

Not  even  Time,  the  father,  who  produces  all ; 
Yet  can  Oblivion,  waiting  long, 

H  2  Gather- 


100        A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

Gathering  ftrength 

Through  the  length 

Of  profperous  times,  forbid  thofe  deeds  to  lafl: :         40 

Such  force  has  fweet-healing  joy 

The  fettering  fmart  of  evils  to  deftroy, 

STROPHE     II.      Meafures  16. 
When  felicity  is  fent 

Down  by  the  will  fupreme  with  full  content: 
Thy  daughters,  Cadmus,  they  4^ 

Greatly  wretched  here  below, 
Blefs'd  evermore,  this  mighty  truth  difplay. 
No  weight  of  grief, 
But,  whelm 'd  in  pleafures,  find  relief. 
Sunk  in  the  fweet  abyfs.  50 

Thou,  Semele,  with  hair  a-flow. 
Thou  by  thunder  doom'd  to  die. 
Mingling  with  the  gods  in  biifs. 
Art  happy,  for  ever  on  high  : 

Thee  Pallas  does  for  ever  love,  55 

Thee  chiefly  Jupiter,  who  rules  above; 
Thee  thy  fon  holds  ever  dear. 
Thy  fon  with  the  ivy-wreath'd  fpear. 

ANTISTROPHE  II.     Meafures  16. 
Beauteous  Ino,  we  are  told. 

With  the  fea-daughters  dwells  of  N  ere  us  old,  60 

And  has,  by  lot,  obtain'd 
Lafting  life,  beneath  the  deep, 
A  life  within  no  bounds  of  time  reftrain'd. 
The  hour  of  death. 

The  day  when  we  refign  our  breath,  65 

That 


TRANSLATIONS.  loi 

That  offspring  of  the  fun. 

Which  bids  us  from  our  labours  flsep, 

In  vain  do  mortals  feck  to  know. 

Or  who  deftin'd  is  to  run 

A  life  unintangled  with  woe  ;  70 

For  none  are  able  to  difclofe 

The  feafons  of  th'  uncertain  ebbs  and  flows 

Now  of  pleafures,  now  of  pains. 

Which  hidden  fate  to  men  ordains  : 

E  P  O  D  E     11.     Meafares  10. 
Thus  Providence,  that  to  thy  anceRry,  long-fam'J,  75 
Portions  out  a  pleafing  fhare 
Of  heaven-fprung  happinefs. 
Does,  ceafing  in  another  turn  of  time  to  blsfs, 
Dillribute  fomc  reverfe  of  care. 

As  from  years  80 

Pall  appears. 

Since  the  predeftin'd  fon,  at  Pytho  nam'J, 
Did  Laius,  blindly  meeting  kill. 
And  the  oracle,  of  old  pronounc'd,  fuhil : 

STROPHE    III.     Meafures  16. 
Fell  Erinnys,  quick  to  view  8r 

The  deed,  his  warlike  fons  in  battle  flew. 
Each  by  the  other's  rage  : 
But  to  Polynices  flain 
Surviv'd  Therfander,  glory  of  his  age. 
For  feats  of  war,  00 

And  youthful  contefls,  honour'd  far. 
The  felon,  kept  alive 
To  raife  th'  Adrjiflian  houfe  again: 

H   3  From 


102      A.     PHILIP  S'S     POEMS. 

From  whence  vEnefidamus'  heir 

Does  his  fpreading  root  derive,  95 

To  branch  out  a  progeny  fair ; 

Who,  fpringing  foremoft  in  the  chace 

Of  fame,  demands  we  ftiould  his  triumph  grace. 

Tuning  lyres  to  vocal  lays. 

Sweet  union  of  melodious  praife  ;  100 

ANTTSTROPHE    III.     Meafure  16. 
For  not  only  has  he  borne 

Th'  Olympian  prize,  but,  with  his  brother,  worn 
The  garland  of  renown. 
At  Pytho  and  at  Ifthmus  ;  where, 
Viftorious  both,  they  ihar'd  th'  allotted  crown,       105 
joint-honour,  vvon 
In  twelve  ijnpetuous  courfes,  run 
With  four  unwearied  fteeds. 
To  vanquifn  in  the  ftrife  fevere 

Does  all  anxiety  deftroy :  110 

And  to  this,  if  wealth  fucceeds 
With  virtues  enamel'd,  the  joy 
Luxuriant  grows ;  fuch  affluence 
Does  glorious  opportunities  difpenfe. 
Giving  depth  of  thought  to  find  1 1  j 

Purfuits  which  pleafe  a  noble  mind. 

E  P  O  D  E    III.     Meafures  10. 
Refulgent  Itar  !  to  man  the  purelt  beam  of  light ! 
The  poffeffor  of  this  ftore. 
Far-future  things  difcerning,  knows 
Obdurate  wretches,  once  deceas'd,  to  immediate  woes 
Confign'd,  too  late  their  pains  deplore ;  121 

For 


TRANSLATIONS.  103 

For  below 

Ere  they  go. 

Sits  one  in  judgment,  who  pronounces  right 

On  crimes  in  this  wide  realm  of  Jove  ;  125 

Whofe  dire  decree  no  power  can  e'er  remove : 
STROPHE    IV.     Meafares  16. 

But  the  good,  alike  by  night. 

Alike  by  day,  the  fun's  unclouded  light 

Beholding,  ever  blefs'd. 

Live  an  unlaborious  life,  130 

Nor  anxious  interrupt  the  hallow'd  reft 

With  fpade  and  plow. 

The  earth  to  vex,  or  with  the  prow 

The  briny  fea,  to  eat 

The  bread  of  care  in  endlefs  ftrife.  135 

The  dread  divinities  among 

The  few  unaccuftomed  to  wrong. 

Who  never  broke  the  vow  they  fwore, 

A  tearlefs  age  enjoy  for  ever-more  ; 

While  the  wicked  hence  depart  1 40 

To  torments  which  appall  the  heart : 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E  IV.    Meafures  16, 
But  the  fouls  who  greatly  dare. 
Thrice  try'd  in  either  ftate,  to  perfevere 
From  all  inj  uftice  pure. 

Journeying  onward  in  the  way  1 45 

Of  Jupiter,  in  virtue  Hill  fecure. 
Along  his  road 
Arrive  at  Saturn's  rais'd  abode ; 

H  4  vr|>ere 


104      A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

Where  foft  fea-breazes  breathe 

Round  the  ifland  of  the  blefb'd;  where  gay  150 

The  trees  with  golden  bloffoms  glow ; 

Where,  their  brows  and  arms  to  wreathe. 

Bright  garlands  on  every  fide  below  ; 

For,  fpringing  thick  in  every  field. 

The  earth  does  golden  flowers  fpontaneous  yield ; 

And,  in  every  limpid  Itream,  156 

The  budding  gold  is  feen  to  gleam  : 

E  P  O  D  E    IV.     Meafures   10 
Fair  heritage  !  by  righteous  Rhadamanth's  award  ; 
Who,  coequal,  takes  his  feat 

With  Saturn,  fire  divine,  1 60 

Thy  confort,  Rhea,  who  above  the  reft  doth  fliine. 
High  thron'd,  thou  matron-goddefs  great : 
Thefe  among 
(Blifsful  throng  !) 

Does  Peleus  and  does  Cadmus  find  regard;  165 

And,  through  his  mother's  winning  prayer 
To  Jove,  Achilles  dwells  immortal  there  : 

STROPHE    V.     Meafures   16. 
He  who  Heflor  did  deftro}'. 
The  pillar  firm,  the  whole  fupport,  of  Troy, 
And  Cycnus  gave  to  die,  170 

And  Aurora's  ^thiop  fon. 
My  arm  beneath  yet  many  darts  have  I, 
AU  fwift  of  flight. 
Within  my  quiver,  founding  right 
To  every  fkilful  ear:  174 

But,  of  the  multitude,  not  one 

Difceriis 


TRANSLATIONS.  105 

Difcerns  the  myftery  une  xplain'd. 

He  tranfcendent  does  appear 

In  knowledge,  from  Nature  who  gain'd 

His  ftore  :  but  the  dull-letter'd  croud,  1 80 

In  cenfure  vehement,  in  rionfenfe  loud. 

Clamour  idly,  wanting  fkill. 

Like  crows,  in  vain,  provoking  ftill 

ANTI  STROPHE  V.    Meafures  16. 
The  celeftial  bird  of  Jove  : 

But,  to  the  mark  addrefs  thy  bow,  nor  rove,  18- 

My  foul :  and  whom  do  I 
Single  out  with  fond  defire. 
At  him  to  let  illuftrious  arrows  fly  ? 
My  fix'd  intent. 

My  aim,  on  Agrigentuni  bent,  ino 

A  folemn  oath  I  plight. 
Sincere  as  honeft  minds  require. 
That  through  an  hundred  circling  years. 
With  recorded  worthies  bright. 

No  rivaling  city  appears  jq- 

To  boall  a  man  more  frank  to  impart 
Kind  offices  to  friends  with  open  heart. 
Or,  with  hand  amidil  his  ftore. 
Delighting  to  diftribute  more 

EPODE  V.    Meafures  10. 
Than  Theron :  yet  foul  calumny,  injurious  blame. 
Did  the  men  of  rancour  raife  200 

Againft  his  fair  renown, 
Defamers  who  by  evil  aftions  ftrove  to  drown 
His  good,  and  to  conceal  his  praife. 

Can 


io6      A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 

Can  the  fand. 

On  the  ftrand, 

Be  number'd  o'er  ?  Then,  true  to  Theron's  fame. 

His  favours  fhowering  down  delight 

On  thoufands  who  is  able  to  recite  ? 


THE   FIRST   ODE    OF    ANACREON. 
ON    HIS     LUTE. 

'T^  H  E  line  of  Atreus  will  I  fing  ; 
"''     To  Cadmus  will  I  tune  the  ftring  : 
But,  as  from  ftring  to  ftring  I  move. 
My  lute  will  only  found  of  Love.  4 

The  chords  I  change  through  every  fcrew. 
And  model  the  whole  lute  anew. 
Once  more,  in  fong,  my  voice  I  raife. 
And,  Hercules,  thy  toils  I  praife  :  f 

My  lute  does  ftUl  my  voice  deny. 
And  in  the  tones  of  love  reply. 
Ye  heroes  then,  at  once  farewel : 
Loves  only  echo  from  my  fhelL  j  2 

THE       SECOND      ODE. 
ON      WOMEN. 

"^J  ATURE  the  bull  with  horns  fupplies. 
The  horfe  v.'ith  hoofs  flie  fortifies. 


The  fleeting  foot  on  hares  beftows. 
On  lions  teeth,  tivo  dreadful  rows  ! 


.   4 
Grants 


TRANSLATIONS.  loy 

Grants  fifh  to  fwim,  and  birds  to  fly. 
And  on  their  fkill  bids  men  rely. 
Women  alone  defcncelefs  live. 
To  women  what  does  Nature  give  ?  S 

Beauty  fhe  gives  inftead  of  darts. 
Beauty,  inftead  of  fhields,  imparts  ; 
Nor  can  the  fword,  nor  fire,  oppofe 
The  fair,  vidlorious  where  fhe  goes.  i  z 

THE      THIRD      ODE. 

ON      LOVE. 

r~\  N  E  midnight  when  the  bear  did  iland 
^"^   A-level  with  Bootes'  hand. 
And,  v/ith  their  labour  fore  opprefs'd. 
The  race  of  men  were  laid  to  reft. 
Then  to  my  doors,  at  unawares. 
Came  Love,  and  tried  to  force  the  bars. 

Who  thus  aflails  my  doors,  I  cry'd  ? 
Who  breaks  my  {lumbers  ?  Love  reply-'d,  c 

Open :  a  child  alone  is  here  ! 
A  little  child  !  — you  need  not  fear: 
Here  through  the  moonlefs  night  I  ftray. 
And,  drench'd  in  rain,  have  loll  my  way.  1 2 

Then  mov'd  to  pity  by  liis  plight. 
Too  much  in  hafte  my  lamp  I  light. 
And  open  :  when  a  child  I  fee, 
A  little  child,  he  feem'd  to  me  ;  16 

Who  bore  a  quiver,  and  a  bow ; 
And  wings  did  to  his  Ihoulders  grow. 

Within 


io8       A.     P  H  I  L  I  P  S  '  S     POEMS. 


Within  the  earth  I  bid  him  ftand. 
Then  chafe  and  cherifh  either  hand 
Between  my  palms,  and  wring,  with  care. 
The  trickling  water  from  his  hair. 

Now  come,  faid  he,  no  longer  chill. 
We'll  bend  this  bow,  and  try  our  fkill. 
And  prove  the  firing,  how  far  its  power 
Remains  unllacken'd  by  the  fhower. 

He  bends  his  bow,  and  culls  his  quiver. 
And  pierces,  like  a  breeze,  my  liver  : 
Then  leaping,  laughing,  as  he  fled. 
Rejoice  with  me,  my  hoft,  he  faid  : 
My  bow  is  found  in  every  part. 
And  you  fhall  rue  it  at  your  heart. 


24 


AN      HYMN      TO      VENUS, 
From  the  G  f.  e  i'  k  of  S  a  p  p  h  0. 

I. 

f\  VENUS,  beauty  of  the  fkies, 

^-^  To  whom  a  thoufand  temples  rife, 

Gayly  falfe  in  gentle  fmiles. 

Full  of  love-perplexing  wiles, 

O,  goddefs  !   from  my  heart  remove 

The  wafting  cares  and  pains  of  love. 

IT. 
If  ever  thou  haft  kindly  heard 
A  fong  in  foft  diftxefs  prefer'd. 
Propitious  to  my  tuneful  vow, 
O,  gentle  goddefs  1  hear  me  now. 


Defcend, 


TRANSLATIONS.         109 

Defcend,  thou  bright,  immortal  gueft. 

In  all  thy  radiant  charms  confefs'd.  12 

III. 
Thou  once  didft  leave  almighty  Jove, 
And  all  the  golden  roofs  above  : 
The  car  thy  wanton  fparrows  drew ; 
Hovering  in  air  they  lightly  flew  ;  16 

As  to  my  bower  they  vv'ing'd  their  way, 
I  faw  their  quivering  pinions  play. 

IV. 
The  birds  difmifs'd  (while  you  remain) 
Bore  back  their  empty  car  again  :  20 

Then  you,  with  looks  divinely  mild. 
In  every  heavenly  feature  fmil'd. 
And  afk'd,  what  new  complaints  I  made. 
And  why  I  call'd  you  to  my  aid  ?  24 

V. 
What  frenzy  in  my  bofom  rag'd. 
And  by  what  care  to  De  afTuag'd  ? 
What  gentle  youth  I  would  allure. 
Whom  in  my  artful  toils  fecure  ?  28 

Who  does  thy  tender  heart  fubdue. 
Tell  me,  my  Sappho,  tell  me  who  ? 

VI. 
Though  now  he  fliuns  thy  longing  arms. 
He  foon  Ihall  court  thy  flighted  charms ;  32 

Though  now  thy  offerings  he  defpife. 
He  foon  to  thee  fliall  facrifice ; 
Though  now  he  freeze,  he  foon  fliall  burn. 
And  be  thy  viftim  in  his  turn.  36 

VII.  Celef- 


tio      A.    PHILIPS'S     POEMS. 

VIL 
Celeftial  vifitant,  once  more 
Thy  needful  prefence  I  implore  ! 
In  pity  come  and  eafe  my  grief. 
Bring  my  diftemper'd  foul  relief:  40 

Favour  thy  fuppliant's  hidden  fires. 
And  give  me  all  my  heart  defires. 

A    FRAGMENT     OF     SAPPHO. 
I. 

T)  L  E  S  S  '  D  as  the  immortal  gods  is  he. 

The  youth  who  fondly  fits  by  thee. 
And  hears  and  fees  thee  all  the  while 
Softly  fpeak,   and  fweetly  fmile.  4 

II. 
'Twas  this  depriv'd  my  foul  of  reft. 
And  rais'd  fuch  tumults  in  my  breaft; 
For  while  I  gaz'd,  in  tranfport  tofs'd. 
My  breath  was  gone,   my  voice  was  loft.  S 

III. 
My  bofom  glovv'd  ;  the  fubtle  flame 
Ran  quickly  through  all  my  vital  frame ; 
O'er  my  dim  eyes  a  darknefs  hung. 
My  ears  v/ith  hollow  murmurs  rung.  i  z 

IV. 
In  dewy  damps  my  limbs  were  chill 'd. 
My  blood  with  gentle  horrors  thrill'd  ; 
My  feeble  pulfe  forgot  to  play, 
1  fainted,  funk,  and  dy'd  away.  j6 

TO 


[  III  ] 

TO    MR.    AMBROSE     PHILIPS, 

ON  HIS  DISTREST  MOTHER. 

ANONYMOUS;  FROM  STEELE'S  COLLECTION. 

1    O  N  G  have  the  writers  of  this  warlike  age 
-•^  With  human  facritices  drench'd  the  ftage  ; 
That  fcarce  one  Hero  dares  demand  applaufe. 
Tin,  weltering  in  his  blood,  the  ground  he  gnaws  :    4 
As  if,  like  fwans,  they  only  could  delight 
With  dying  ftrains,  and,  while  they  pleaie,  aifright. 
Our  Philips,  though  'twere  to  oblige  the  fair. 

Dares  not  deftroy,  v/here  Horace  bids  him  fpare  :      8 

His  decent  fcene  like  that  of  Greece  appears ; 

No  deaths  our  eyes  oifend,  no  fights  our  ears. 

'While  he  from  nature  copies  every  part. 

He  forms  the  judgment,  and  affefts  the  heart.  12 

Oft'  as  Andromache  renews  her  woe. 

The  mothers  fadden,  and  their  eyes  o'erilow. 

Hermione,  with  love  and  rage  poffeft. 

Now  fooths,  now  animates,  each  maiden  breaft,        16 

Pyrrhus,  triumphant  o'er  the  Trojan  walls. 

Is  greatly  perjur'd,  and  as  greatly  falls. 

Love,  and  Defpair,  and  Furies  are  combin'd 

In  poor  Oreftes,  to  diilracl  his  mind.  20 

From  firft  to  lall,  alternate  pafilons  reign ; 

And  we  refill  the  Poet's  will  in  vain. 

ODES. 


t   '"i   3 
CONTENTS 

O  F 

A.    PHILIPPS'S     POEMS. 

PASTORAL    POEMS. 

FIRST    PASTORAL. 
T    OBBIN.        >  -  -  .  Page    7 


SECOND. 

Thenot,  Colinet. 

11 

THIRD. 

Albino.                -                 -                  • 

1$ 

FOURTH, 

Myco,  Argol. 

21 

F  I  F  T  H. 

Cnddy. 

28 

SIXTH. 

Geron,  Hobbinol,  Lanquet.             - 
The  Stray  Nymph. 
The  Happy  Swain, 
VoL.LVIL                          *H 

32 

38 

39 
Epis- 

•ii4  CONTENTS. 

EPISTLES. 

To  a  Friend,  who  defired  me  to  write  on  the  Deatk 
of  King  William*  -  -  41 

From  Holland  to  a  Friend  in  England,  in  the 
Year  1703.  _  _  .  ^^ 

To  the  Earl  of  Dorfet.  -  -  45 

To  the  Right  Honourable  Charles  Lord  Halifax, 
one  of  the  Lords  JuJlices  appointed  by  his  Ma- 
jefty.  -  -  -  48 

To  the  Honourable  James  Craggs,  Efq.  Secretary 
at  War,  at  Hampton  Court,  -  ^o 

To  Lord  Carteret,  departing  from  Dublin.       -        56 

ODES. 

Song.  -  -  -  -  58 

Song.  -  -  -  59 

To  Signora  Cuszoni.  -  -  ibid. 

To  the  Memory  of  the  late  Earl  of  Halifax.  60 

To  the  Honourable  Mifs  Carteret.         -         -  6i- 

On  the  Death  of  the  Right  Honourable  William  Earl 

Cowper.  -  -  -  64 

To  the  Rigat  Honourable  William  Pulteney,  Efq.    71  . 
To  Mifs   Margaret  Pulteney,    Daughter   of   Daniel 

Pulteney,  Efq.  in  the  Nurfery.  -         "  7J 

To    Mifs    Charlotte    Pulteney  ;    in    her     Mother's 

Arms.         -  -  _  -  -  74 

To  the  Right  Honourable  Robert  Walpcle,  Efq.  75 
Supplication  to  Mifs  Carteret,  in  the  Small-Pox.  7$ 
To    lV;ifs    Georgina,    youngeft    Daughter    to    Lord 

Carteret.  -  -  -  79 

E  P  I- 


CONTENTS.  »ii5 

EPIGRAMS  AND   SHORT  POEMS» 

On  a  Company  of  bad  Dancers  to  good  Mufic.  8i 

Epigram.                 -                 -                     -  8r 

In  anfwer  to  the  QuelHon,  What  is  Thought  ?  ibid. 

To  Mr.  Addifon,  on  Cato.              -             -  ibid.. 

On  Wit  and  Wifdom  ;  a  Fragment.             -  ibid. 

Epitaph   written   on    the    Monument    of   my  Kinf- 

woman,  at  the  Requeft  of  her  Hufband.        -  83 

The  Fable  of  Thule,  (unfinifti'd.)             -  85 


TRANSLATIONS. 

The  Firft   Olympionique  of  Pindar.      To  Hiero  of 
Syracufe,  vidlorious  in  the  Horfe-Race.  89. 

The  Second  Olympionique.     To  Theron  of  Agrigen- 
tum,  vlrtorious  in  the  Chariot-Race.  98 

The  Firft  Ode  of  Anacreon.     On  his  Lute.  106 

The  Second  ditto.  On  Women.  -  -  ibid. 
The  Third  ditto.  On  Love.  -  -  -  107 
An  Hymn  to  Venus,  from  the  Greek  of  Sappho.  108 
A  Fragment  of  Sappho.  -  -  1 10 

To  Mr.  Ambrofe  Philips,  on  his  Diftreft  Mother,   iijl 


THE    END    OF     A.   PHILIPS  S    POEMS. 


ODES 

O  F 

PINDAR, 

WITH    SEVERAL   OTHER. 

PIECES       IN       VERSE, 

Translated  from  the  GREEK. 

TOWHICH    ARE    ADDED 

ORIGINAL  POEMS   ON  SEVERAL  OCCASIONS. 

By    GILBERT    WEST,     Efq.     L  L.  D. 

"  Res  antiquce  laudis  &  artis 
"  Ingredior,  fandlos  aufus  recludeve  fontcs." 

ViRG.  Georo;.  ii. 


VoL.LVIL 


T  O 

The  Right  Honourable 

WILLIAM      PITT,      Esq. 

Paymalter- General  of  his  Majefty's  Forces, 

One  of  his  Majclly's  moft  Honourable  Privy  Council; 

And  to  the  Honourable 

Sir    GEORGE    LYTTELTON,    Bart. 

One  cf  the  Lords  Commiffioners  of  the  Treafury; 

THESE     POEMS 

Are  infcribed  by  the  Autlior; 

Who  is  defirous  that  the  Friendfhip, 

V/ith  which  they  have  for  many  Years  honoured  him. 

And  the  fincere  AfFeftion  and  high  Efteem, 

Which  he  hath  conceived  for  them. 

From  a  long  and  intimate  Knowledge 

of  their  Worth  and  Virtue, 

May  be  known 

Wherever  the  Publication  of  the  enfuing  Pieces 

Shall  make  known  the  Name  of 

GILBERT    WEST. 


li 


r  "7  ] 

PREFACE. 

1^  F  all  the  great  Writers  of  Antiquity,  no  one  was 
ever  more  honoured  and  admired  while  living,  as 
few  have  obtained  a  larger  and  fairer  portion  of  fame 
after  death,  than  Pindar.  Paufanias  tells  us,  that  the 
charadler  of  Poet  was  really  and  truly  confecrated  in  his 
perfon,  by  the  God  of  Poets  himfelf  *,  who  was  pleafed 
by  an  exprefs  oracle  to  order  the  inhabitants  of  Delphi 
to  fet  apart  for  Pindar  one  half  of  the  firft-fruit  offerings 
brought  by  the  religious  to  his  fhrine ;  and  to  allov/ 
him  a  place  in  his  temple  ;  where  in  an  iron  chair  he 
was  ufed  to  fit  and  fmg  his  hymns,  in  honour  of  that 
God.  This  chair  was  remaining  in  the  time  of  f  Pau- 
fanias (feveral  hundred  years  after)  to  whom  it  was 
Ihewn  as  a  relick  not  unworthy  the  fandlity  and  mag- 
nificence of  that  holy  place.  Pan  %  likewife,  another 
Mufical  Divinity,  is  reported  to  have  Ikipped  and 
jumped  for  joy,  while  the  Nymphs  were  dancing  in 
honour  of  the  birth  of  this  Prince  of  Lyrick  Poetry  ; 
and  to  have  been  afterwards  fo  much  delighted  with 
his  compofitions,  as  to  have  fung  his  Odes  in  the  hear- 
ing even  of  the  Poet  himfelf  §.  Unhappily  for  us, 
and  indeed  for  Pindar,  thofe  parts  of  his  works,  which 
procured  him  thefe  extraordinary  teftimonies  from  the 
Gods  (or  from  Mortals  rather,  who  by  the  invention 

*  Pauf.  in  Boeot.  f  Pauf.  in  Phoc. 

t  Philoftratus  in  Icon.         §  Plut.  in  Numa. 

1  3  of 


iiS  PREFACE. 

of  thefs  fables  meant  only  to  exprels  the  high  opinion 
they  entertained  of  this  great  Poet)  are  all  loft  :  I 
mean  his  Plymns  to  the  feveral  Deities  of  the  Heathen 
World.  And  even  of  thofe  writings,  to  which  his 
lefs  extravagant,  but  more  ferioas  and  more  lading 
glory  is  owing,  only  the  leaft,  and,  according  to  fome 
people,  the  worll  part  is  now  remaining.  Thefe  are 
his  Odes  infcribed  to  the  Conquerors  in  the  Four  facred 
Games  of  Greece.  By  thefe  Odes  therefore  are  we 
now  left  to  judge  of  tiie  merit  of  Pindar,  as  they  are 
the  only  living  evidences  of  his  charadler. 

Among  the  moderns  *  thofe  men  of  learning  of  the 
trueft  talte  and  judgment,  who  have  read  and  confider- 
ed  the  writings  of  this  Author  in  their  original 
language,  have  all  agreed  to  confirm  the  great  charadler 
given  of  him  by  the  Ancients.  And  to  fuch  who  are 
ftill  able  to  examine  Pindar  himfelf,  I  fhall  leave  him 
to  ftand  or  fall  by  his  own  merit ;  only  befpeaklng  their 
candour  in  my  own  behalf,  if  they  fnould  think  it 
worth  their  while  to  perufe  the  following  tranflations 
of  fome  of  his  Odes  :  which  I  here  offer  chiefly  to  the 
Englifh  reader,  to  v/hom  alone  I  defire  to  addrefs  a  few 
confiderations,  in  order  to  prepare  him  to  form  a  right 
judgment,  and  indeed  to  have  any  relifh  of  the  Com- 
pofitions  of  this  great  Lyrick  Poet,  who  notwithltand- 

•  See  Abbe  Fraguler's  Charadler  of  Pindar,  printed  in  the 
3d  Vol.  of  Memoire  del'Academie  Rnyale,  &c.  and  Kenntt's 
Life  of  Pindar,  in  the  Lives  of  the  Greek  Poets. 

'  ing 


PREFACE.  iig 

Ing  mult  needs  appear  before  liim  under  great  difad- 
vantages. 

To  begin  with  removing  fome  prejudices  againil  tliis 
Author,  that  have  arifen  from  certaiii  writings  knov/n 
by  the  name  of  Pindarick  Odes  ;  I  muft  infill  that  very- 
few,  which  I  remember  to  have  read  under  that  title, 
not  excepting  even  thofe  written  by  the  admired  Mr. 
Cowley,  whofe  wit  and  fire  firft  brought  them  into  re- 
putation, have  the  leaft  refemblance  to  the  manner  of 
the  Author,  whom  they  pretend  to  imitate,  and  from 
whom  they  derive  their  Name ;  or,  if  any,  it  is  fuch 
a  refemblance  only  as  is  expreffed  by  the  Italian  word 
caricatura,  a  monftrous  and  diverted  likenefs.  This 
obfervation  has  been  already  made  by  Mr.  Congreve  in 
his  Preface  *  to  two  admirable  Odes,  written  profef- 
fediy  in  imitation  of  Pindar ;  and  I  may  add,  fo  much 
in  his  true  manner  and  fpirit,  that  he  ought  by  all 
means  to  be  excepted  out  of  the  num.ber  of  thofe  who 
have  brought  this  author  into  difcredit  by  pretending 
to  refemble  him. 

Neither  has  Mr.  Cowley,  though  he  drew  from  the 
life,  given  a  much  truer  picture  of  Pindar  in  the 
Tranflations  he  made  of  two  of  his  Odes.  I  fay  not 
this  to  detradt  from  Mr.  Cowley,  whofe  genius,  per- 
haps, was  not  inferior  to  that  of  Pindar  him.felf,  or 
either  of  thofe  other  two  great  Poets,  Horace  and 
Virgil,  whofe  names  have  been  bellowed  upon  him, 
but  chiefly  to  apologize  for  my  having  ventured  to 
tranflate  the  fame  Odes ;  and  to  prepare  the  Reader  for 

*  Preferved  In  the  prefent  colIecSlIon. 

I  4  ths 


120  PREFACE. 

the  wide  difference  he  will  find  between  many  parts  of 
bis  Tranllations  and  7nins. 

Mr.  Cowley  and  his  Imitators  (for  all  the  Pindarick 
Writers  fmce  his  time  have  only  mimicked  him,  while 
they  fancied  they  were  imitating  Pindar)  have  fallen 
themfelves,  and  by  their  examples  have  led  the  world, 
into  two  miftakes  with  regard  to  the  character  of  Pin- 
dar :  both  which  are  pointed  out  by  Mr.  Congreve  in 
the  Preface  above-mentioned,  and  in  the  following 
words : 

"  The  charafter  of  thefe  late  Pindaricks  is  a  bundle 
*♦  of  rambling  incoherent  thoughts,  expreffed  in  a  like 
"  parcel  of  irregular  ftanzas,  which  alfo  confift  of 
"  fuch  another  complication  of  difproportioned,  un- 
"  certain,  and  perplexed  verfes  and  rhymes.  And 
"  I  appeal  to  any  Reader,  if  this  is  not  the  condition 
*'  in  which  thefe  titular  Odes  appeared. 

"  On  the  contrary  (adds  he)  there  is  nothing  more 
"  regular  than  the  Odes  of  Pindar,  both  as  to  the 
«  exa£t  obfervation  of  the  meafures  and  numbers  of 
"  his  ftanzas  and  verfes,  and  the  perpetual  coherence 
"  of  his  thoughts  :  for  though  his  digrefTions  are  fre- 
*'  quent,  and  his  tranfitions  fudden,  yet  is  there  ever 
*'  fome  fecret  connexion,  which,  though  not  always 
*'  appearing  to  the  eye,  never  fails  to  communicate  it- 
•f  felf  to  the  underftanding  of  the  reader." 

Upon  thefe  two  points,  namely,  the  regularity  of 
meafure  in  Pindar's  Odes,  and  the  connexion  of  his 
thoughts,  I  fhall  beg  leave  to  make  a  few  obfer- 
vations. 

Thefe 


PREFACE.  121 

Thefe  Odes  were  all  compofed  to  be  fung  by  a  Chorus, 
cither  at  the  entertainments  given  by  the  Conquerors 
(to  whom  they  were  infcribed)  or  their  friends,  on 
account  of  their  viftories,  or  at  the  folemn  facrifices 
made  to  the  Gods  upon  thofe  occafions.  They  confid 
generally  of  three  ftanzas,  of  which  the  following  ac- 
count was  communicated  to  me  by  a  learned  and  in- 
genious Friend. 

"  Befides  what  is  faid  of  the  Greek  Ode  in  the 
«  Scholiaft  upon  Pindar,  I  find  (fays  he)  the  follow- 
*'  ing  pafTage  in  the  Scholia  on  Hephaeftion  ;  it  is  the 
"  very  laft  paragraph  of  thofe  Scholia." 

The  paflage  cited  by  him  is  in  Greek,  inllead  of 
which  I  fliall  infert  the  Tranflation  of  it  in  Englifh. 

Tou  miijl  knoTC  that  the  Ancients  (in  their  Odes ) 
framed  two  larger  ftanzas,  and  one  lefs  ;  the  firit  cf 
the  larger  ftanzas  they  called  ^Xxo^h,  ftnging  it  on  their 
fjjlivals  at  the  altars  of  the  Gods,  and  dancing  at  the 
fame  time.  'The  fecond  they  called  Antiftrophe,  /« 
'which  they  in^verted  the  dance.  The  lefTer  Jlanza  ivas 
named  the  Epode,  m:hich  they  fung  Jiandi^ig  fill.  The 
Strophe,  as  they  fay,  denoted  the  motion  of  the  higher 
Sphere,  the  Antiftrophe  that  of  the  Planets,  the  Epode 
the  fixed  ftation  and  repofe  of  the  Earth. 

"  From  this  paflage  it  appears  evident  that  thefe 
"  Odes  were  accompanied  with  dancing  ;  and  that 
"  they  danced  one  v,ay  v/hile  the  Strophe  was  fmging, 
«  and  then  danced  back  again  while  the  Antiftrophe 
"  was  fung  :  Which  fhews  why  thofe  two  Parts  con- 
"  fifted  of  the  fame  length  and  meafure  ;  then,  when 

«  the 


124  PREFACE. 

*'  the  Dancers  were  returned  to  the  place  whence  they 
*'  fet  out,  before  they  renewed  the  dance  they  flood 
"  flill  while  the  Epode  was  fung. 

"  If  the  fame  perfous  both  danced  and  fung,  when 
"  we  confider  how  much  breath  is  required  for  a  full 
"  Song,  perhaps  one  may  incline  to  think,  that  the 
"  Strophe  and  Antiftrophe  partook  fomething  of  the 
"  Recitative  manner,  and  that  the  Epode  was  the 
"  more  compleat  Air. 

"  There  is  a  pafiTage  in  the  ancient  Grammarian, 
"  Marius  Viftorinus,  which  is  much  to  the  fame  pur- 
"  pofe  as  this  above,  though  he  does  not  diftinflly 
^'  fpeak  of  dancing.     The  pafTage  is  this : 

"  Pleraque  Lyricorum  carminum,  quae  verfu,  co- 
•"  lifque  &  commatibus  componuntur,  ex  Strophe, 
^'  Antiftrophe,  &  Epodo,  ut  Grsci  appellant,  ordinata 
"'  fubfiftunt.  Quorum  ratio  talis  eft.  Antiqui  Deo- 
"  rum  laudes  carminibus  comprehenfas,  circum  aras 
"  eorum  euntes  canebant.  Cujus  primum  ambitum, 
*'  quem  ingrediebantur  ex  parte  dextra.  Strop  hen 
"  vocabant  ;  reverfionem  autem  fmiftrofum  faiflam, 
"  complete  priore  orbe,  Antiftrophen  appellabant. 
"  Deinde  in  confpedlu  Deorum  foliti  confiftere  cantici, 
*'  reliqua  confequebantur,  apellantes  id  Epodon, 

"  The  Writers  I  have  quoted  fpeak  only  of  Odes, 
"  fung  in  the  temples  :  but  Demetrius  Triclinius, 
*'  upon  the  meafures  of  Sophocles,  fays  the  fame 
"  thing  upon  the  Odes  of  the  Tragick  Chorus. 

"  What  the  Scholiaft  upon  Hephsftion,  cited  above, 
"  adds  about  the  Heavenly  Motions,  &c  is  alfo  faid 

"by 


PREFACE.  125 

«  by  Viftorinus,  and  by  Demetrius  Triclinius,  and, 
"  likewife  by  the  Scholiaft  on  Pindar.  Yet  I  confider 
«  this  in  no  other  light  than  I  do  the  fantaftical  con- 
«  ceits  with  which  the  Writers  on  Mufic  abound. 
"  Ptolemy,  out  of  his  three  Books  of  Harmonics, 
*'  employs  one  almoft  entirely  upon  comparing  the 
"  principles  of  Mufic  with  the  motions  of  the  Planets, 
«  the  faculties  of  the  mind,  and  other  fuch  ridiculous 
"  imaginations.  And  Ariftides  Quintilianus,  fup- 
"  pofed  an  older  Author,  is  full  of  the  fame  fooleries. 
"  Marius  Viftorinus  has  another  fcheme  alfo,  viz. 
"  that  the  dancing  forwards  and  backwards  was  in- 
"  vented  by  Thefeus,  in  memory  of  the  labyrinth 
*'  out  of  which  he  efcaped.  But  all  this  is  taking 
"  much  unneceffary  pains  to  account  why,  when 
"  Dancers  have  gone  as  far  as  they  can  one  way, 
"  they  fhould  return  back  again ;  or  at  leaft  not  dance 
"  in  the  fame  circle  till  they  are  giddy." 

Such  was  the  ftrufture  of  the  Greek  Ode,  in  which 
the  Strophe  and  the  Antiftrophe,  i.  e.  the  firft  and 
fccond  llanzas,  contained  always  the  fame  number  and 
the  fame  kind  of  verfes.  The  Epode  was  of  a  differ- 
ent  length  and  meafure;  and  if  the  Ode  ran  out  into 
any  length,  it  was  always  divided  into  Triplets  of 
ftanzas,  the  two  firft  being  conftantly  of  the  fame  length 
and  meafure,  and  all  the  Epodes  in  like  manner  cor- 
refponding  exaftly  with  each  ether:  from  all  which 
the  regularity  of  this  kind  of  compofitions  is  fufficiently 
evident.  There  are  indeed  fome  Odes,  which  confift 
of  Strophes,  and   Antiftrophes  without   any  Epode; 

and 


124.  PREFACE. 

and  others  which  are  made  up  of  Strophes  only,  of 
different  lengths  and  meafures.  But  the  greateft  num- 
ber of  Pindar's  Odes  are  of  the  firft  kind. 

I  have  in  the  tranflation  retained  the  names  of  Stro- 
phe and  Antiftrophe,  on  purpofe  to  imprint  the  more 
ftrongly  on  the  Mind  of  the  Englifh  reader,  the  exaft 
regularity  obferved  by  Pindar  in  the  ftrufture  of  his 
Odes;  and  have  even  followed  his  example  in  one, 
which  in  the  original  confiUs  only  of  two  Strophes. 

Another  charge  againft  Pindar  relates  to  the  fuppofed 
wildncfs  of  his  imagination,  his  extravagant  digref- 
fions,  and  fudden  tranfitions,  which  leads  me  to  con- 
fider  the  fecond  point,  viz.  the  connexion  of  his  thoughts. 
Upon  which  I  fhall  fay  but  little  in  this  place,  having 
endeavoured  to  point  out  the  conneciioti,  and  account  for 
many  of  the  digrejfions,  in  my  Arguments  and  Notes* 
to  the  feveral  Odes  which  I  have  tranflated.  Here 
therefore  I  fhall  only  obferve  in  general,  that  whoever 
imagines  the  'viaories  and  prai/es  of  the  Conquerors 
are  the  proper  yJ</^v<Sj  of  the  Odes  infcribed  to  them, 
will  find  himfelf  millaken.  Thefe  'vidories  indeed  gave 
occafion  to  thefe  fongs  of  triumph,  and  are  therefore 
conftantly  taken  notice  of  by  the  Poet,  as  are  alfo  any 
particular  and  remarkable  circumftances  relating  to 
them,  or  to  the  lives  and  charadlers  of  the  Conquerors 
themfelves:  but,  as  fuch  circumftances  could  rarely 
furnifli  out  matter  fufficient  for  an  Ode  of  any  length, 
fo  would  it  have  been  an  indecency  unknown  to  the 


See  p.  iz6. 

civil 


PREFACE.  125 

civil  equality  and  freedom,  as  well  as  to  the  iimplicity 
of  the  age  in  which  Pindar  lived,  to  have  filled  a  poem 
intended  to  be  fung  in  public,  and  even  at  the  altars 
of  the  gods,  with  the  praifes  of  one  man  only ;  who, 
befides,  was  often  no  otherwife  confiderable,  but  as 
the  viftory  which  gave  occafion  to  the  Ode  had  made 
him.  For  thefe  reafons,  the  Poet,  in  order  to  give 
his  poem  its  due  extent,  was  obliged  to  have  recourfe 
to  other  circumftances,  arifmg  either  from  the  family 
or  country  of  the  Conqueror,  from  the  Games  in  which 
he  had  come  off  vi6lorious,  or  from  the  particular 
deities  who  had  any  relation  to  the  occafion,  or  in 
whofe  temples  the  Ode  was  intended  to  be  fung.  All 
thefe,  and  many  other  particulars,  which  the  reading 
the  Odes  of  Pindar  may  fuggeft  to  an  attentive  obfer- 
ver,  gave  hints  to  the  Poet,  and  led  him  into  thofe 
frequent  digreffions,  and  quick  tranfitions ;  which  it 
is  no  wonder  fliould  appear  to  us  at  this  diftance  of 
time  and  place  both  extravagant  and  unaccountable. 

Upon  the  whole,  I  am  perfuaded  that  whoever  will 
confider  the  Odes  of  Pindar  with  regard  to  the  man- 
ners and  cuftoms  of  the  age  in  which  they  were  writ- 
ten, the  occafions  which  gave  birth  to  them,  and  tlie 
places  in  which  they  were  intended  to  be  recited,  will 
fmd  little  reafon  to  cenfure- Pindar  for  want  of  order 
and  regularity  in  the  plans  of  his  compofitions.  On 
the  contrary,  perhaps,  he  will  be  inclined  to  admire 
him,  for  raifmg  fo  many  beauties  from  fuch  trivial 
liints,  and  for  kindling,  as  he  fometimes  does,  fo  great 
a  flame  from  a  Angle  fpark,  and  with  fo  little  fuel. 

There 


126  PREFACE. 

There  is  fiill  another  prejudice  againft  Pindar,  which 
may  ariie  in  the  minds  of  thofe  people  who  are  not 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  ancient  Hilcory,  and  who 
may  therefore  be  apt  to  think  meanly  of  Odes,  in- 
fcribed  to  a  fet  of  Conquerors,  whom  poffibly  they 
may  look  upon  only  as  fo  many  Prize-fighters  and 
Jockeys.  To  obviate  this  prejudice,  I  have  prefixed 
to  my  tranflation  of  Pindar's  Odes  a  DifTertation  *  on 
the  Olympick  Games :  in  which  the  reader  will  fee  what 
kind  of  perfons  thefe  Conquerors  were,  and  what  was 
the  nature  of  thofe  famous  Games;  of  which  every 
one,  who  has  but  juft  looked  into  the  hiftory  of  Greece, 
muft  know  enough  to  defire  to  be  better  acquainted 
v/ith  them.  The  colledlion  is  as  full  as  I  have  been 
able  to  make  it,  affilted  by  the  labours  of  a  learned 
Frenchman,  Pierre  du  Faur,  who,  in  his  Book  intituled 
Agonifticon,  hath  gathered  almolt  every  thing  that  is 
mentioned  in  any  of  the  Greek  or  Latin  Writers  re- 
lating to  the  Grecian  Games,  which  he  has  thrown  to- 
gether in  no  very  clear  order;  as  is  obferved  by  liis 
Countryman  Monf.  Burette,  who  hath  written  feveral 
pieces  on  the  fubjeft  of  the  Gymnaftick  Exercifes,  in- 
serted in  the  Second  Volume  of  "  Memoires  de  I'Aca- 
"  demie  Royale,  &c."  printed  at  Amfterdam,  1719. 
In  this  DifTertation  I  have  endeavoured  to  give  a  com- 
plete Hiftory  of  the  Olympick  Games :  of  wliich  kind 

*  For  this  DifTertation,  and  the  learned  Author's  copious 
notes  in  the  following  Odes,  we  muft  refer  the  curious 
reader  to  the  work  at  large.  N. 

there 


PREFACE.  127 

-nere  is  not,  that  I  know  of,  any  treatife  now  extant ; 
thofe  written  upon  this  fubjetl  by  fome   of  the    An- 
cients being  all  loft,  and  not  being  fupplied   by    any 
learned  Modern,  at  leaft  not  fo  fully  as   might  have 
been  done,  and  as  fo  confiderable  an  article  of  the  Gre- 
cian Antiquities  feemed  to  demand.     As  I  flatter  my- 
felf  that  even  the  learned  Reader  will  in  this  Differ- 
tation   meet  with   many  points  which  have   hitherto 
cfcaped  his   notice,   and  much  light   reflefted    from 
thence  upon  the  Odes  of  Pindar  in  particular,  as  well 
as  upon  many  paiTages  in  other  Greek  Writers,  I  fnall 
rather  defire  him  to  excufe  thofe  errors   and   defefts 
which  he  may  happen  to  difcover  in  it,  than  apologize 
for  the  length  of  it- 
Having  now  removed  the   chief  prejudices  and  ob- 
jeftions  which  have  been  too  long  and    too   generally 
entertained  againll  the  Writings  of  Pindar,  I  need  fay 
but  little  of  his  real  character,  as  the  principal  parts  of 
it  may  be  colle£led  from  the  very  faults  imputed   to 
him ;  which  are  indeed  no  other  than  the   exceffes  of 
great  and  acknov/ledged  beauties,  fuch  as  a  poetical 
imagination,  a  warm  and  enthufiaftic  genius,  a   bold 
and  figurative  expreffion,  and  a  concife  and  fententious 
llile.     Thefe  are  the  charafteriflical  beauties  of  Pin- 
dar; and   to   thefe  his    greateft  blemifhes,  generally 
fpeaking,  are  fo  near  allied,  that  they  have  fometimes 
been  millaken  for  each  other.     I  cannot  however  help 
obferving,  that  he  is  fo  entirely   free  from  any  thing 
like  the  far-fetghed  thoughts,  the  witty  extravagances^ 
6  and 


128  PREFACE. 

and  puerile  concetti  of  Mr.  Cowley  and  the  reft  of  his 
Imitators,  that  1  cannot  recoiled:  fo  much  as  even  a 
fmgle  antithefes  in  all  his  Odes. 

Longinus  indeed  confeffes,  that  Pindar's  flame  is 
fometimes  extinguifhed,  and  that  he  now  and  then 
links  unexpedledly  and  unaccountably ;  but  he  prefers 
him,  with  all  his  faults,  to  a  Poet  who  keeps  on  in 
one  conftant  tenour  of  mediocrity,  and  who,  though  he 
feldom  falls  very  low,  yet  never  rifes  to  thofe  aftoniih- 
ing  heights,  which  fometimes  make  the  head  even  of 
a  great  Poet  giddy,  and  occafion  thofe  flips  which  they 
at  the  fame  time  excufe. 

But,  notwithftandlng  all  that  has  or  can  be  faid  in 
favour  of  Pindar,  he  muft  ftill  appear,  as  I  before  ob- 
ferved,  under  great  difadvantages,  efpecially  to  the 
Englifli  Reader.  Much  of  this  fire,  which  formerly 
warmed  and  dazzled  all  Greece,  muft  neceflarily  be 
loft  even  in  the  beft  Tranflation.  Befides,  to  fay  no- 
'tliing  of  many  Beauties  peculiar  to  the  Greek,  which 
cannot  be  expreffed  in  Englifli,  and  perhaps  not  in  any 
other  language,  there  are  in  thefe  Odes  fo  many  re- 
ferences to  fecret  hiftory,  fo  many  allufions  to  perfons, 
things,  and  places,  now  altogether  unknown,  and 
vv'hich,  v/ere  they  known,  would  very  little  intereft  or 
aiFeil  the  Reader,  and  withal  fuch  a  mixture  of  My- 
thology and  Antiquity,  tliat  I  almoft  defpair  of  their 
being  reliflied  by  any,  but  thofe  who  have,  if  not  a 
great  deal  of  clajjical  learning,  yet  fomewhat  at  leaft 
of  an  antique  and  clajfual  tajle. 

Every 


PREFACE.  129 

Every  Reader,  however,  may  ilill  find  in  Pindar 
Something  to  make  amends  for  the  lofs  of  thofe  beau- 
ties, which  have  been  fet  at  too  great  a  diftance,  and 
in  fome  places  worn  off  and  obliterated  by  time  ; 
namely,  a  great  deal  of  good  fenfe,  many  wife  reflec- 
tions, and  many  moral  fentences,  together  with  a  due 
regard  to  religion  ;  and  from  hence  he  may  be  able  to 
form  to  himfelf  fome  idea  of  Pindar  as  a  Man,  though 
he  fhould  be  obliged  to  take  his  character  as  a  Poet 
from  others. 

But  that  he  may  not  for  this  rely  altogether  upon 
my  opinion,  I  fhall  here  produce  the  teltimonies  of 
two  great  Poets,  whofe  excellent  writings  are  fufficient 
evidences  both  of  their  talle  and  judgment.  The  firll 
was  long  and  univerfally  admired,  and  is  ftill  as  much 
regretted,  by  the  prefent  age :  the  latter,  v/ho  wrote 
about  feventeen  hundred  years  ago,  was  the  delight  and 
ornament  of  the  politell  and  moft  learned  age  of  Rome. 
And  though  even  to  him,  Pindar,  who  lived  fome 
centuries  before  him,  mufl  have  appeared  under  fome 
of  the  difadvantages  above  mentioned,  yet  he  had  the 
opportunity  of  feeing  all  his  works  which  were  extant 
in  his  time,  and  of  which  he  hath  given  a  fort  of  ca- 
talogue, together  with  their  feveral  charafters  :  an  ad- 
vantage which  the  former  warited,  who  mull:  therefore 
be  underftood  to  fpeak  only  of  thofe  Odes  which  are 
now  remaining.  And  indeed  he  alludes  to  thofe  only, 
'  in  the  following  pafTaee  of  his   "  Temple  of  Fame.'* 

Fope's  Works,  fmall  Edit.  Vol.  III.  p.  17.  ver.  210. 
Vol.  LVII.  K  « Four 


130 


PREFACE. 


"  Four  Swans  *  fuftain  a  car  of  filver  bright, 

«  With  heads  advanc'd,  and  pinions  ftretch'd  for  flight : 

"  Here,  like  fome  furious  prophet,  Pindar  rode, 

"  And  feem'd  to  labour  with  th'  infpiring  God. 

**  Acrofs  the  harp  a  carelefs  hand  he  flings, 

"  And  boldly  fmks  into  the  founding  firings. 

*'  The  figur'd  Games  of  Greece  the  column  grace, 

*'  Neptune  and  Jove  furvey  the  rapid  race : 

"  The  youths  hang  o'er  their  chariots  as  they  run ; 

"  The  fiery  fteeds  feem  llarting  from  the  flone : 

"  The  champions  in  diftorted  pofl^res  threat  ; 

"  And  all  appear'd  irregularly  great." 

The  other  Paflage  is  from  Horace,  lib.  IV.  Ode  ii. 
viz. 

"  Pindarum  quifquis  ftudet  semulari,  &c." 

which,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Engiilh  Reader,  I  have 
thus  tranflated : 

He,  who  afpires  to  reach  the  towering  height 
Of  matchlefs  Pindar's  heaven- afcending  ftrain. 
Shall  fink,  unequal  to  the  arduous  flight. 
Like  him,  who  falling  nam'd  th'  Icarian  main  ; 

*  Four  fivans  fuftain^  iffc  ]  Pindar,  being  feated  in  a 
Chariot,  alludes  to  the  Horfe-races  he  celebrated  in  the 
Grecian  Games.  The  fwans  are  emblems  of  poetry  ;  their 
fearing  pofture  intimates  the  fubllmity  and  a(5livity  of  his 
genius.  Neptune  prefided  over  the  Ifthmian,  and  Jupiter 
over  the  Olympian  Games.  This  note  is  of  the  fame 
Author.     - 

Per- 


PREFACE.  131 

Prefumptuous  youth  !  to  tempt  forbidden  fkies  ! 

And  hope  above  the  clouds  on  ^vaxen  plumes  to  rife ! 
Pindar,  like  fome  fierce  torrent  fvvoln  with  Ihovvers, 
Or  fudden  catarafts  of  melting  fnow. 
Which  from  the  Alps  its  headlong  deluge  pours. 
And  foams  and  thunders  o'er  the  vales  below. 
With  defultory  fury  borne  along. 

Rolls  his  impetuous,  vaft,  unfathomable  fong. 
The  Delphick  laurel  ever  fure  to  gain  ; 
Whether  with  lavvlefs  Dithyrambick  rage 
Wild  and  tumultuous  flows  the  founding  ftrain  ; 
Or  in  more  order'd  verfe  fublimely  fage 
To  Gods  and  Sons  of  Gods  his  lyre  he  firings. 

And  of  fierce  Centaurs  flain,  and  dire  Chimaira  fings. 
Or  whether  Pifa's  Viclors  be  his  theme. 
The  valiant  champion  and  the  rapid  fteed  ; 
Who  from  the  banks  of  Alpheus,  facred  ftream. 
Triumphant  bear  Olympia's  olive  meed  ; 
And  from  their  Bard  receive  the  tuneful  boon. 

Richer  than  fculptur'd  brafs,  or  imitating  ftone. 

Or  whether  with  the  widow'd  mourner's  tear. 
He  mingles  foft  his  Elegiac  fong  ; 
With  Dorian  ftrains  to  deck  th'  untimely  bier 
Of  fome  difallrous  bridegroom  fair  and  young  ; 
Whofe  virtues,  in  his  deifying  lays. 
Through  the   black   gloom  of  death  with   liar-like 
radiance  blaze. 

K  3  When 


132  PREFACE. 

When  to  the  cloud?,  along  th'  ethereal  plain. 
His  airy  way  the  Theban  Swan  purfues. 
Strong  rapid  gales  his  founding  plumes  fuftain  : 
While,  wondering  at  his  flight,  my  timorous  Muie 
In  fhort  excurfions  tires  her  feeble  wings. 
And  in  fequefter'd  fhades  and  flowery  gardens  fmgs. 

There,  like  the  bee,  that,  from  each  odorous  bloom. 
Each  fragrant  offspring  of  the  dewy  field. 
With  painful  art,  extradls  the  rich  perfume. 
Solicitous  her  honied  dome  to  build. 
Exerting  all  her  induftry  and  care. 
She  toils  with  humble  fweets  her  meaner  verfe  to  rear. 

The  remainder  of  this  Ode  has  no  relation  to  the 
prefent  fubjeft,  and  is  therefore  omitted. 

The  following  Colledlion  of  Poems  (to  borrow  the 
metaphor'  made  ufe  of  by  Elorace)  conlifts  wholly  of 
fweets,  drawn  from  the  rich  and  flowery  fields  of 
Greece.  And  if  in  thefe  Tranflations  any  of  the  na- 
tive fpirit  and  fragrancy  of  the  Originals  flaall  appear 
to  be  transfufcd,  I  Ihall  content  myfelf  with  the  hum- 
ble merit  of  the  little  laborious  infedl  above  mentioned. 
But  I  mufl  not  here  omit  acquainting  the  Reader,  that 
among  thefe,  immediately  after  the  Odes  of  Pindar,  is 
inferted  a  tranflation  of  an  Ode  *  of  Horace,  done  by 

*  This  Ode,  in  full  conformity  to  Mr.  Weft's  Intention, 
is  flili  (though  reftored  to  its  proper  writer)  preferved  in  the 
prefent  volume. 

a  Gen- 


PREFACE. 


^35 


a  Gentleman,  the  peculiar  excellence  of  whofe  genius 
hath  often  r^ealed  what  his  raodefty  would  have  kept 
a  fecret.  And  to  this  I  might  have  trailed  to  in- 
form the  world,  that  the  Tranllation  I  am  now  fpeak- 
ing  of,  though  inferted  am.ongfl:  mine,  was  not  done 
by  me,  were  I  not  defirous  of  tellifying  the  pride  and 
pleafure  I  take  in  feeing,  in  this  and  fome  other  in- 
ftances,  his  admirable  pieces  blended  and  joined  with 
mine  j  an  evidence  and  emblem  at  the  fame  time  of 
that  friendfhip,  which  hath  long  fubfifted  between  us, 
and  which  1  lliall  always  eileem  a  fmgular  felicity  and 
honour  to  myfelf. 

The  Authors,  from  whom  the  other  pieces  are  traiif- 
lated,  are  fo  well  known,  that  I  need  fay  nothing  of 
them  in  this  place  ;  neither  lliall  1  detain  the  Reader 
with  any  farther  account  of  the  tranflations  them- 
felves,  than  only  to  acquaint  him,  that  I  tranflated 
the  Dramatic  Poem  of  Lucian  upon  the  Gout,  v/hen  I 
was  myfelf  under  an  attack  of  that  incurable  diilem- 
per,  which  1  mention  by  way  of  excufe  ;  and  that  all 
the  other  pieces,  excepting  only  the  Hymn  of  Cleanthes, 
were  written  many  years  ago,  at  a  time  when  I  read 
and  wrote,  like  moft  other  people,  for  amufement  only. 
If  the  Reader  finds  they  give  any  to  him,  I  fhall  be 
very  glad  of  it ;  for  it  is  doing  fome  fervice  to  human 
fociety,  /o  amuji  innocently  ;  and  they  know  very  little 
of  human  nature,  who  think  It  can  bear  to  be  always 
employed  either  in  the  exercife  of  its  duties,  or  in  high 
and  important  meditations. 

K  3  ODE 


[     134    ] 
ODE 

OCCASIONED  BY  READING 

MR.  WEST'S  TRANSLATION  OF  ?INDAR. 
By  the  Reverend  Mr.  Joseph  Warton. 

I.   1. 

A  LBION,  exult !  thy  fons  a  voice  divine  have  heard, 
•^^  The  Man  of  Thebes  hath  in  thy  vales  appear'd  ! 
Hark  !  with  frefh  rage  and  undiminifli'd  fire. 
The  fweet  enthufiaft  fmites  the  Britifh  lyre ; 
The  founds  that  echoed  on  Alpheus'  Ilreams, 
Reach  the  delighted  ear  of  liftening  Thames  ; 
Lo  !  fwift  acrofs  the  dufty  plain 
Great  Theron's  foaming  courfers  ftrain  ! 
What  mortal  tongue  e'er  roll'd  along 
Such  full  impetuous  tides  of  nervous  fong  ? 

I.    2. 

The  fearful,  frigid  lays  of  cold  and  creeping  art. 
Nor  touch,  nor  can  tranfport  th'  unfeeling  heart ; 
Pindar,  our  inmoll  bofom  piercing,  warms 
With  glory's  love,  and  eager  thirft  of  arms  : 
When  freedom  fpeaks  in  his  majeftic  ftrain. 
The  patriot-paffions  beat  in  every  vein  : 
We  long  to  fit  with  heroes  old, 
'Mid  groves  of  vegetable  gold, 
*  Where  Cadmus  and  Achilles  dwell. 
And  fUll  of  daring  deeds  and  dangers  tell. 

*  See  2  Olymp.  Od. 

I.  3.  Away, 


ODE    ON    WEST'S    PINDAR.     135 

I-  3- 
Away,  enervate  Bards,  away. 
Who  fpin  the  courtly,  filken  lay, 
*  As  wreaths  for  fome  vain  Louis'  head. 
Or  mourn  fome  foft  Adonis  dead  : 
No  more  your  polifli'd  Lyricks  boaft. 
In  Britifh  Pindar's  Ilrength  o'erwhelm'd  and  loft  : 
As  well  might  ye  compare 
The  glimmerings  of  a  waxen  flame 
(Emblem  of  Verfe  correftly  tame) 
f  To  his  own  Etna's  fulphur-fpouting  caves. 
When  to  Heaven's  vault  the  fiery  deluge  raves. 
When  clouds  and  burning  rocks  dart  through  the  trou- 
bled air. 

II    I. 
In  roaring  Cataracls  down  Andes'  channel'd  fteeps 
Mark  how  enormous  Orellana  fweeps  ! 
Monarch  of  mighty  Floods  !  fupremely  ftrong. 
Foaming  from  cliff  to  cliff  he  v/hirls  along, 
Swoln  with  an  hundred  hills'  collefted  fnows  : 
Thence  over  namelefs  regions  widely  flows. 
Round  fragrant  ifles,  and  citron-groves. 
Where  Hill  the  naked  Indian  roves. 
And  /afely  builds  liis  leafy  bower. 
From  flavery  far,  and  curfl  Iberian  power  ; 

*  Alluding  to  the  French  and  Italian  Lyrick  Poets- 
t  See  X  Pyth.  Od. 

K  4.  il.  2.  Sa 


136     ODE  ON  WEST'S  PINDAR,  &c. 

II.  2. 
So  rapid  Pindar  flows. — O  Parent  of  the  Lyre, 
Let  me  for  ever  thy  fweet  fons  admire  ! 
O  ancient  Greece,  but  chief  the  Bard  whofe  lays 
The  matchlefs  taie  of  Troy  divine  emblaze  ; 
And  next  Euripides,  foft  pity's  prieft. 
Who  melts  in  ufeful  Woes  the  bleeding  breaft  ; 
And  him,  who  paints  th'  inceftuous  king, 
Whofe  foul  amaze  and  horror  wring  ; 
Teach  me  to  tafte  their  charms  refin'd. 
The  richeft  banquet  of  th'  enraptur'd  mind  : 

II.  3. 
For  the  bleft  man,  the  Mufe's  child  *, 
On  whofe  aufpicious  birth  flie  fmil'd, 
Whofe  foul  {he  form'd  of  purer  fire,  . 
For  whom  Ihe  tun'd  a  golden  lyre. 
Seeks  not  in  fighting  fields  renown  : 
No  widows'  midnight  fhrieks,  nor  burning  town. 
The  peaceful  Poet  pleafe  : 
Nor  ceafelefs  toils  for  fordid  gains. 
Nor  purple  pomp,  nor  wide  domains. 
Nor  heaps  of  wealth,  nor  power,  nor  ftatefman's 

fchemes. 
Nor  all  deceiv'd  ambition's  feverifh  dreams. 
Lure  his  contented  heart  from  the  fweet  vale  of  eafe. 

*  Hor.  lib.  IV.  Od.  iii. 

ODES 


[     137     ] 

ODES 

O    F 

PINDAR. 

Olympiac^  miratus  pramia  palmce." 

ViRG.  Georg.  1.  iii. 


rUE    FIRST    O  L  Y  M  P  I  C  K    ODE, 

This  Ode  is  infcribed  to  Hiero  of  Syracufc,  who, 
in  the  Seventy-third  Olympiad,  obtained  the 
A'iftory  in  the  Race  of  Single  Horfes. 


THE  fubjefl;  of  this  Ode  being  a  victory  obtained  by 
Hiero  in  the  Olympick  Games,  Pindar  fets  out  with 
fhewing  the  fuperiority  and  pre-eminence  of  thofe 
Games  over  all  others ;  among  which,  he  fays,  they 
hold  the  fame  rank,  as  water  (which,  according  to  the 
opinion  of  Thales  and  other  Philofophers,was  the  ori- 
ginal of  all  things)  among  the  elements,  and  Gold 
among  the  gifts  of  Fortune.  Wherefore,  continues  he, 
O  my  heart,  if  thou  art  inclined  to  fmg  of  Games, 
it  would  be  as  abfurd  to  think  of  any  other  but  the 

Olympick 


158  WES  T'S     POEMS. 

Olymplck  Games,  as  to  look  for  ftars  in  the  flty 
when  the  fun  is  fhining  in  his  meridian  glory;  efpe- 
cially  as  all  the  Guefts  at  Hiero's  table  (among  which 
number  it  is  not  improbable  that  Pindar  was  one  at 
this  time)  are  fmging  Odes  upon  that  fubjeft.  From 
the  mention  of  Hiero,  he  falls  into  a  Ihort  panegy- 
rick  upon  his  virtues,  and  then  pafTes  to  what  gave 
occafion  to  this  Ode,  'viz.  his  Olympick  vidtory; 
under  which  head  he  makes  honourable  mention  of 
his  horfe  Phrenicus  (for  that  was  his  name),  who 
gained  the  victory,  and  fpread  his  mailer's  glory  as 
far  as  Pifa,  or  Olympia,  the  ancient  refidence  of 
Pelops  the  fon  of  Tantalus ;  into  a  long  account  of 
whom  he  digreffes :  and  ridiculing,  as  abfurd  and 
impious,  the  llory  of  his  having  been  cut  in  pieces 
by  his  father  Tantalus,  boiled  and  ferved  up  at  an 
entertainment  given  by  him  to  the  gods,  relates 
another  ftory,  which  he  thought  more  to  the  honour 
both  of  Pelops  and  the  Gods.  This  relation  he 
concludes  with  the  account  of  Pelops  vanquilhing 
Oenomaus,  king  of  Pifa,  in  the  chariot-race,  and 
by  that  victory  gaining  his  daughter  Hippodamia, 
fettling  at  Pifa,  and  being  there  honoured  as  a  God. 
From  this  relation  the  Poet  falls  again  naturally 
into  an  account  of  the  Olympick  Games,  and,  after 
a  Ihort  reflection  upon  the  felicity  of  thofe  who  gain- 
ed the  Olympick  crown,  returns  to  the  praifes  of 
Hiero;  with  which,  and  fome  occafional  reflections 
on  the  profperity  of  Hiero,  to  whom  he  wifhes  a 
continuance  of  his  good  fortune  and  a  long  reign, 
he  clofes  his  Ode. 

S  TR  O- 


OLYMPICK    ODE  S.     O  d  e  I.       139 


STROPHE      I. 

CHIEF  of  Nature's  works  divine. 
Water  claims  the  higheft  praife  : 
Richeft  offspring  of  the  mine. 

Gold,  like  fire,  whofe  flafliing  rays 
From  afar  confpicuous  gleam. 

Through  the  night's  involving  cloud, 
Firft  in  luftre  and  eileem. 

Decks  the  treafures  of  the  proud : 
So  among  the  lifts  of  fame 

Fifa's  honour'd  games  excell; 
Then  to  Fifa's  glorious  name 

Tune,  O  Mufe,  thy  founding  (hell. 

ANTISTROPHEI. 

Who  along  the  defert  air 

Seeks  the  faded  ftarry  train. 
When  the  fun's  meridian  car 

Round  illumes  th'  a;therial  plain  ? 
Who  a  nobler  theme  can  chufe 

Than  Olympia's  facred  Games  ? 
What  more  apt  to  fire  the  Mufe, 

When  her  various  fongs  flie  frames  ? 
Songs  in  (trains  of  wifdom  dreft 

Great  Saturnius  to  record. 
And  by  each  rejoicing  gueft 

Sung  at  Hiero's  feaftful  board. 

EPODE 


<.o  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

E  P  O  D  E      I. 
In  paftoral  Sicilia's  fruitful  foil 

The  righteous  fceptre  of  imperial  power 
Great  Hiero  wielding,  with  iiluilrious  toil 

Plucks  every  blooming  virtue's  fairell  flower. 
His  royal  fplendour  to  adorn : 
Nor  doth  his  fkilful  hand  refufe 
Acquaintance  with  the  tuneful  Mufe, 
"When  round  the  mirthful  board  the  harp  is  borne. 

STROPHE       II. 
Down  then  from  the  glittering  nail 

Take,  O  Mufe,  thy  Dorian  lyre; 
If  the  love  of  Pifa's  vale 

Pleafmg  tranfports  can  infpire; 
Or  the  rapid-footed  Heed 

Could  with  joy  thy  bofom  move. 
When,  unwhipp'd  with  native  fpeed 

O'er  the  dufty  courfe  he  drove; 
And  where  deck'd  with  olives  flows, 

Alpheus,  thy  immortal  flood. 
On  his  lord's  triumphant  brows 

The  Olympick  wreath  beflow'd  : 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E       II. 

Hiero's  royal  brows,  whofe  care 
Tends  the  courfer's  noble  breed ; 

Pleas'd  to  nurfe  the  pregnant  mare, 
Pleas'd  to  train  the  youthful  fteed. 


Now 


OLYMPICK    ODES,    O  d  e  I.     .  141 

Now  on  that  heroic  land 

His  far-beaming  glories  beat. 
Where  with  all  his  Lydian  band 

Pelops  fix'd  his  honour'd  feat: 
Pelops,  by  the  god  belov'd, 

Whofe  ftrong  arms  the  globe  embrace  ; 
When  by  Jove's  high  orders  mov'd 

Clotho  blefs'd  the  healing  vafe. 
E  P  O  D  E     IT. 
Forth  from  the  cauldron  to  new  life  reftor'd, 

Pleas'd  with  the  luftre  of  his  ivory  arm 
Young  Pelops  rofe;  fo  ancient  tales  record^ 
And  oft  thefe  tales  unheeding  mortals  charm  j 

While  gaudy  Fidlion,  deck'd  v/ith  art. 

And  drefs'd  in  every  winning  grace. 

To  Truth's  unornamented  face 

Preferred,  feduces  oft  the  human  heart. 
STROPHE     III. 
Add  to  thefe  fweet  Poefy, 

Smooth  inchantrefs  of  mankind. 
Clad  in  whofe  falfe  majefty 

Fables  eafy  credit  find. 
But  ere  long  the  rolling  year 

The  deceitful  tale  explodes ; 
Then,  O  man,  with  holy  fear 

Touch  the  charafters  of  Gods. 
Of  their  heavenly  natures  fay 

Nought  unfeemly,  nought  profane, 
So  (halt  thou  due  honour  pay. 

So  be  free  from  guilty  ilain. 

ANTI- 


ij^z  W  E  S  T'S     P  O  E  M  S. 

ANTISTROPHE     III. 
DiiFering  then  from  ancient  fame 

I  thy  ftory  will  record  : 
How  the  Gods  invited  came 

To  thy  father's  genial  board  j 
In  his  turn  the  holy  feaft 

When  on  Sipylus  he  fpread ; 
To  the  tables  of  the  bleft 

In  his  turn  with  honour  led. 
Neptune  then  thy  lovely  face. 

Son  of  Tantalus,  furvey'd. 
And  with  amorous  embrace 

Far  away  the  prize  convey'd. 

E  P  O  D  E    III. 
To  the  high  palace  of  all-honour 'd  Jove 
With  Pelops  fwift  the  golden  chariot  rolls. 
There,  like  more  ancient  Ganymede,  above 
For  Neptune  he  prepares  the  neflar'd  bowls. 
But  for  her  vanquiih'd  fon  in  vain 
When  long  his  tender  mother  fought. 
And  tidings  of  his  fate  were  brought 
By  none  of  all  her  much-inquiring  train ; 

STROPHE    ^v^ 

O'er  the  envious  realm  with  fpeed 

A  malicious  rumour  flew. 
That,  his  heavenly  gueils  to  feed. 

Thee  thy  impious  father  flew : 


In 


OLYMPICK   ODES.    OdeL  14; 

In  a  cauldron's  feething  flood 

That  thy  mangled  limbs  were  caft. 
Thence  by  each  voracious  God 

On  the  board  in  meffes  plac'd. 
But  ftiall  I  the  bleft  abufe  ? 

With  fuch  tales  to  ftain  her  fong 
Far,  far  be  it  from  my  Mufe  ! 

Vengeance  waits  th'  unhallow'd  tongue. 

ANTISTROPHE    IV» 
Sure,  if  e'er  to  man  befel 

Honour  from  the  powers  divine. 
Who  on  high  Olympus  dwell, 

Tantalus,  the  lot  was  thine. 
But,  alas  !  his  mortal  fenfe 

All  too  feeble  to  digeft 
l"he  delights  of  blifs  immenfe, 

Sicken'd  at  the  heavenly  feail. 
Whence,  his  folly  to  chaftife. 

O'er  his  head  with  pride  elate, 
Jove,  great  father  of  the  ikies. 

Hung  a  rock's  enormous  weight* 

E  P  O  D  E     IV. 

Now  vainly  labouring  with  inceflant  pains 
Th'  impending  rock's  expefted  fall  to  fhun. 
The  fourth  diftrefsful  inftance  he  remains 
Of  wretched  man  by  impious  pride  undone; 
Who  to  his  mortal  guefls  convey'd 
Th'  incorruptible  food  of  Gods, 
On  which  in  their  divine  abodes 
Himfelf  erft  feafting  was  immortal  made. 


144-  W  E  S  T  »  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

STROPHE    V. 

Vain  is  he,  who  hopes  to  cheat 

The  all-feeing  eyes  of  Heaven ; 
From  Olympus'  blifsful  feat. 

For  his  father's  theft,  was  driven 
Pelops,  to  refide  once  more 

With  frail  man's  fwift-paffing  race. 
Where  (for  now  youth's  blowing  flower 

Deck'd  with  opening  pride  his  face; 
And  with  manly  beauty  fprung 

On  each  cheek  the  downy  fhade) 
Ever  burning  for  the  young, 

Hymen's  fires  his  heart  invade. 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E    V. 
Anxious  then  th'  Elean  bride 

From  her  royal  fire  to  gain. 
Near  the  billow-beaten  fide 

Of  the  foam-befilver'd  main. 
Darkling  and  alone  he  flood, 

Invocating  oft  the  name 
Of  the  Trident-bearing  god 

Strait  the  Trident-bearer  came  : 
"  If  the  fweet  delights  of  love, 

"  Which  from  Beauty's  Queen  defcend, 
*<  Can  thy  yielding  bofom  move, 

"  Mighty  God,  my  caufe  befriend. 


EPODE 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  I.       145 

E  P  O  D  E     V. 

<  With  flrong  prevention  let  thy  hand  control 
«  The  brazen  lance  of  Pifa's  furious  king  ; 
'  And  to  the  honours  of  th'  Elean  goal 
"  Me  with  unrival'd  fpeed  in  triumph  bring. 
"  Transfix'd  by  his  unerring  fpear, 
"  Already  thirteen  youths  have  dy'd, 
*'  Yet  he  perfifts  with  cruel  pride, 
'•  Hippodamia's  nuptials  to  defer. 

STROPHE    VI. 

"  In  the  paths  of  dangerous  fame 

"  Trembling  c6wards  never  tread: 
■*'  Yet  fince  all  of  mortal  frame 

"  Mull  be  number'd  with  the  dead, 
"  Who  in  dark  inglorious  Ihade 

"  W^ould  his  ufelefs  life  confume, 
*'  And,  with  deedlefs  years  decay'd, 

"  Sink  anhonour'd  to  the  tomb  r 
*'  I  that  fhameful  lot  difdaln ; 

"  I  this  doubtful  lift  will  prove ; 
•'  May  my  vows  from  thee  obtain 

"  Conqueft,  and  the  prize  of  love  !'* 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E    VI, 

Thus  he  pray'd,  and  mov'dthe  Godj 

Who,  his  bold  attempt  to  grace. 
On  the  favour'd  youth  beftow'd 

Steeds  unwearied  in  the  race ; 
Vol.  LVII.  L  Steeds, 


146  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

Steeds,  with  winged  fpeed  endued, 

Harnefs'd  to  a  golden  carr. 
So  was  Pifa's  king  fubdued; 

Pelops  fo  obtained  the  fair  ; 
From  whofe  womb  a  noble  brood. 

Six  illuftrious  brothers  came, 
AH  with  virtuous  minds  endow'd. 

Leaders  all  of  mighty  fame. 

E  P  O  D  E    VI. 

Now  in  the  folemn  fervice  of  the  dead, 

Ranlc'd  with  immortal  Gods,  great  Pelops  Ihares ; 
While  to  his  aJtar,  on  the  watery  bed 

Of  Alpheus  rais'd,  from  every  clime  repairs 
The  wondering  ftranger,  to  behold 
The  glories  of  th'  Olympick  plain ; 
Where,  the  refplendent  wreath  to  gain. 
Contend  the  fwifc,  the  active,  and  the  bold. 

STROPHE     VII. 
Happy  he,  whofe  glorious  brow 
Pifa's  honour'd  chaplets  crown  ' 
Calm  his  ilream  of  life  fhall  flow, 

Shelter'd  by  his  high  renown. 
That  alone  is  blifs  fupreme. 

Which,  unk:iowing  to  decay. 
Still  with  ever-ihining  beam 

Gladdens  each  fucceeding  day. 
Then  for  happy  Hiero  weave 

Garlands  of  ^oiian  ftraiiis ; 
Him  thefe  honours  to  receive 
The  Olympick  law  ordains. 

ANTI- 


OLYMPICK     ODES.     Ode  I. 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E     VII. 
No  more  worthy  of  her  lay 

Can  the  Mufe  a  mortal  find ; 
Greater  in  imperial  fvvay. 

Richer  in  a  virtuous  mind  ; 
Heaven,  O  king,  with  tender  care 

Waits  thy  wifhes  to  fulfil. 
Then  ere  long  will  I  prepare, 

Plac'd  on  Chronium's  funny  hill. 
Thee  in  fweeter  verfe  to  praife. 

Following  thy  viftorious  Iteeds ; 
If  to  profper  all  thy  ways 

Still  thy  Guardian  God  proceeds. 

E  P  O  D  E     VII. 
Fate  hath  in  various  ftations  rank'd  mankind; 

In  royal  pov/er  the  long  gradations  end. 
By  that  horizon  prudently  confin'd. 

Let  not  thy  hopes  to  farther  views  extend. 
Long  may'it  thou  wear  the  regal  crown ! 

And  may  thy  Bard  his  wifli  receive. 
With  thee,  and  ftich  as  thee  to  live. 
Around  his  native  Greece  for  wifdom  known  ! 


147 


THF. 


i+S  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

THE    SECOND    OLYMPICK    ODE, 

This  Ode  is  infcribcd  to  Thcron  Kingof  iVgrigen- 
tum,  M^ho  came  off  Conqueror  in  the  Pvace  of 
Chariots  drawn  by  four  Horfes,  in  the  Seventy- 
feventh  Olympiad, 


THE  Poet,  in  anfuer  to  the  queftion.  What  God, 
what  Hero,  and  what  Mortal  he  (hould  fing  (with 
which  words  this  Ode  immediately  begins)  having 
named  Jupiter  and  Hercules,  not  only  as  the  firft  of 
gods  and  heroes,  but  as  they  were  peculiarly  related 
to  his  fubjed ;  the  one  being  the  ProteAor,  and  the 
other  the  Founder  of  the  Olympick  Games;  falls 
direftly  into  the  praifes  of  Theron  :  by  this  method 
artfully  infmuating,  that  Theron  held  the  fame  rank 
among  all  mortals,  as  the  two  former  did  among  the 
gods  and  heroes.  In  enumerating  the  many  excel- 
lencies of  Theron,  the  Poet  having  made  mention 
of  the  nobility  of  his  family  (a  topick  feldom 
or  never  omitted  by  Pindar)  takes  occafion  to  lay 
before  him  the  various  accidents  and  viciflltudes  of 
human  life,  by  inftances  drawn  from  the  hiftory  of 
his  own  anceftors,  the  founders  of  Agrigentum; 
who,  it  feems,  underwent  many  difficulties,  before 
they  could  build,  and  fettle  themfelves  in  that  city; 
where  afterwards,  indeed,  they  made  a  very  con- 
fiderable  figure,  and  were  rewarded  for  their  paft 

fufFerings 


O  L  Y  M  P  I  C  K    ODES.    Ode   II.      1^9 

fuiFerings  with  wealth  and  honour;  according  to 
which  method  of  proceeding,  the  Poet  (alluding  to 
fome  misfortunes  that  had  befallen  Theron)  bc- 
feeches  Jupiter  to  deal  with  their  pofterity,  by  rc- 
compenfmg  their  former  affliftions  with  a  feries  of 
peace  and  happinefs  for  the  future ;  in  the  enjoyment 
of  which  they  would  foon  lofe  the  memory  of  what- 
ever they  had  futfered  in  times  paft :  the  conftant 
eifeft  of  profperity  being  to  make  men  forget  their 
paft  adverfity ;  which  is  the  only  reparation  that  can 
be  made  to  them  for  the  miferies  they  have  under- 
gone. The  truth  of  this  poution  he  makes  appear 
from  the  hiilory  of  the  fame  family;  by  the  farther 
inftances  of  Semele,  Ino,  and  Therfander;  and 
laftly,  of  Theron  himfelf,  whofe  former  cares  and 
troubles,  he  infmuates,  are  repaid  by  his  prefent 
happinefs  and  viftory  in  the  Olympick  Games :  for 
his  fuccefs  in  which,  the  Poet  however  intimates, 
that  I'heron  was  no  lefs  indebted  to  his  riches  than 
to  his  virtue,  fuice  he  was  enabled  by  the  one,  as 
well  as  difpoied  by  the  other,  to  undergo  the  trouble 
and  cxpence  that  was  neceffary  to  qualifv  him  for  a 
candidate  for  the  Olympick  crown  in  particular,  and, 
in  general,  for  the  performance  of  any  great  and 
worthy  aftion:  for  the  words  are  general.  From 
whence  he  takes  occafion  to  "tell  him,  that  the  man  who 
pofTeffes  thefe  treafures,  viz.  Riches  and  Virtue,  that 
is,  the  means  and  the  inclination  of  doing  good  and 
great  adions,  has  the  farther  fatisfadion  of  knowing, 
that  he  fhalJ  be  rewarded  for  it  hereafter;  and  go 
L   3  amoa? 


150  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

among  the  heroes  into  the  Fortunate  Iflands  (the  Pa- 
radife  of  the  Ancients),  which  he  here  defcribes; 
fome  of  whofe  inhabitants  are  likcwife  mentioned 
by  way  of  inciting  Theron  to  an  imitation  of  their 
aftions;  as  Peleus,  Cadmus,  and  Achilles.  Here 
the  Poet,  finding  himfelf,  as  well  from  the  abun- 
dance of  matter,  as  from  the  fertility  of  his  ov\  n 
genius,  in  danger  of  wandering  too  far  from  his 
iubjeft,  recalls  his  Muie,  and  returns  to  the  praiie 
of  Theron;  whofe  beneficence  and  generofity,  he 
tells  us,  were  not  to  be  equalled :  with  which,  and 
with  fome  reflexions  upon  the  enemies  and  maligncr-- 
cf  Theron,  he  concludes. 

STROPHE      I. 

YE  choral  hymns,  harmonious  lays. 
Sweet  rulers  of  the  Lyrick  Itring, 
What  god  ?  what  hero's  god-like  praife  ? 

What  mortal  fhall  we  fmg  ? 
With  Jove,  with  Pifa's  Guardian  God, 
Begin,  O  Mufe,  th'  Olympick  Ode. 
Aicides,  Jove's  heroick  fon. 
The  fecond  honours  claims ; 
Who,  offering  up  the  fpoils  from  Augeas  won, 
Eftabliih'd  to  his  fire  tli'  Olympick  Games; 
Where  bright  in  wreaths  of  Conquell  Theron  fhonc. 
Then  of  vidlorious  Theron  fing  ! 
Of  Theron  hofpitable,  jult,  and  great! 
Fam'd  Agrlgentum's  honour'd  king. 
The  prop  and  bulwark  of  her  towering  ftate; 

A  righ- 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    O  d  e.  11.     151 

A  righteous  prince  !  whofe  flowering  virtues  grace 
The  venerable  ftem  of  his  illuftrious  race : 

ANTISTROPHE     I. 
A  race,  long  exercis'd  in  woes. 
Ere,  fmiling  o'er  her  kindred  flood. 
The  manfion  of  their  wifli'd  repofe. 

Their  facred  city  ftood; 
And  through  amaz'd  Sicilia  flione 
The  lallre  of  their  fair  renown. 
Thence,  as  the  milder  Fates  decreed. 
In  deftin'd  order  born, 
Aufpicious  hours  with  fmoother  pace  fucceed; 
While  Power  and  Wealth  the  noble  line  adorn. 
And  Public  Favour,  Virtue's  richefl:  meed. 

O  Son  of  Rhea,  God  fupreme  ! 
Whofe  kingly  hands  th'  Olympian  fceptre  wield ! 

Revcr'd  on  Alpheus'  facred  ftream  ! 
And  hoiiour'd  moll  in  Pifa's  lifted  field  ! 

Propitious  liften  to  my  foothing  ilraiii !  H 

And  to  the  worthy  fons  their  father's  rights  maintain ! 

E  P  O  D  E     I. 
Peace  on  their  future  life,  and  wealth  bellow; 
And  bid  their  prefent  mornents  calmly  flow. 
The  deed  once  done  no  power  can  abrogate. 
Not  the  great  Sire  of  all  Things,  Time,  nor  Fate. 
But  fweet  oblivion  of  difailrous  care. 
And  good  fucceeding,  may  the  wrong  repair. 

L  4  Loft 


152  W  E  S  T '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

Loft  in  the  brightnefs  of  returning  day. 
The  gloomy  terrors  of  the  night  decay ; 
When  Jove  commands  the  Sun  of  Joy  to  rife. 
And  opens-  into  fmiles  the  cloud -in velop'd  fkics. 

STROPHE     IL 

Thy  haplefs  daughters'  various  fate 
This  moral  truth,  O  Cadmus,  fhowsr 
Who  vefted  now  with  god-like  ftate 

On  heavenly  thrones  repofe ; 
And  yet  Afflidlion's  thorny  road 
In  bitter  anguifn  once  they  trod. 
But  blifs  fuperior  hath  eras'd 

The  memory  of  their  woe ; 
While  Semele,  on  high  Olympus  plac'd. 
To  heavenly  zephyrs  bids  her  treffes  flow. 
Once  by  devouring  lightnings  all  defac'd. 

There,  with  immortal  cliarms  improv'd. 
Inhabitant  of  Heaven's  ferene  abodes 

She  dwells,  by  virgin  Pallas  lov'd, 
Lov'd  by  Satumius,  father  of  the  gods; 
Lov'd  by  her  youthful  fon,  whofe  brows  divine^. 
In  tv.ifting  i\'y  bound,  with  joy  eternal  fhine. 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E     IL 
To  Ino,  Goddefs  of  the  Main, 
The  Fates  an  equal  lot  decree, 
Rank'd  with  old  Ocean's  Nereid  train. 
Bright  daughters  of  the  fea. 

Deep 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    O  d  e  II.     ijj 

Deep  in  the  pearly  realms  below. 
Immortal  happinefs  to  know. 
But  here  our  day's  appointed  end 
To  mortals,  is  unknown ; 
Whether  diftrefs  our  period  fhall  attend. 
And  in  tumultuous  ftorms  our  fun  go  down^ 
Or  to  the  fhades  in  peaceful  calms  defcend. 
For  various  flows  the  tide  of  life, 
Obnoxious  ftill  to  Fortune's  veering  gale ; 

Now  rough  with  anguifli,  care,  and  ftrife, 
O'erwhelming  waves  the  fliatter'd  bark  affail  ; 
Now  glide  ferene  and  fmooth  the  limpid  ftreams  ;. 
And  on  the  furface  play  Apollo's  golden  beams. 
E  P  O  D  E     11. 
Thus,  Fate,  O  Theron,  that  with  blifs  divine 
And  glory  once  enrich'd  thy  ancient  line. 
Again  reverfmg  every  gracious  deed. 
Woe  to  thy  wretched  fires  and  Ihame  decreed  ; 
What  time,  encountering  on  the  Phocian  plain. 
By  lucklefs  Oedipus  was  Laius  flain. 
To  parricide  by  Fortune  blindly  led. 
His  father's  precious  life  the  hero  (hed  ^ 
Doom'd  to  fulfill  the  oracles  of  heaven. 
To  Thebes'  ill-deftin'd  king  by  Pythian  Phcebus  given.. 
STROPHE     III. 
But  with  a  fierce  avenging  eye 
Erinnys  the  foul  murder  view'd. 
And  bade  his  warring  offspring  die. 
By  mutual  rage  fubdued. 

Pierc'd 


154  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Pierc'd  by  his  brother's  hateful  fteel 
Thus  haughty  Polynices  fell. 
Therfander,  born  to  calmer  days, 
Surviv'd  his  falling  fire. 
In  youthful  games  to  win  immortal  praife  ; 
Renown  in  martial  combats  to  acquire. 
And  high  in  power  th'  AdraiHan  houfe  to  raife. 

Forth  from  this  venerable  root 
^nefidamus  and  his  Theron  fpring  ; 
For  whom  I  touch  my  Dorian  flute. 
For  whom  triumphant  llrike  my  founding  firing. 
Due  to  his  glory  is  th'  Aonian  ftrain, 
Whofe  virtue  gain'd  the  prize  in  fam'd  Olympia's  plain. 
ANTISTROPHE    III. 
Alone  in  fam'd  Olympia's  fand 
The  vidor's  chaplet  Theron  wore  ; 
But  with  him  on  the  Ifthmian  ftrand. 

On  fweet  Caftalia's  fliore. 
The  verdant  crowns,  the  proud  reward 
Of  viftory,  his  brother  fhar'd. 
Copartner  in  immortal  praife. 
As  warm'd  with  equal  zeal 
The  light-foot  courfer's  generous  breed  to  raife> 
And  whirl  around  the  goal  the  fervid  wheel. 
The  painful  ftrife  Olympia's  wreath  repays : 

But  wealth  with  nobler  virtue  join'd 
The  means  and  fair  occafions  mull  procure  ; 

In  glory's  chace  muft  aid  the  mind, 
Expence,  and  toil,  and  danger  to  endure  j 

With 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  II.      155 

With  mingling  rays  they  feed  each  other's  flame. 
And  ihine  the  brighteit  lamp  in  all  the  fphere  of  fame. 
E  P  O  D  K    III. 
The  happy  mortal,  who  thefe  treafures  fhares. 
Well  knows  what  fate  attends  his  generous  cares ; 
Knows,  that  beyond  the  verge  of  life  and  light. 
In  the  fad  regions  of  infernal  night. 
The  fierce,  impradlicable,  churlifh  mind 
Avenging  gods  and  penal  woes  fhall  find ; 
Where  ftricl  inquiring  juftice  fhall  bewray 
The  crimes  committed  in  the  realms  of  dav. 
Th'  impartial  Judge  the  rigid  law  declares. 
No  more  to  be  revers'd  by  penitence  or  prayers. 
STROPHE     IV. 
But  in  the  happy  fields  of  light. 
Where  Phoebus  with  an  equal  ray 
Illuminates  the  balmy  night. 

And  gilds  the  cloudlefs  day. 
In  peaceful,  unmolefted  joy. 
The  good  their  fmiling  hours  employ. 
Them  no  uneafy  wants  conftrain 
To  vex  th'  ungrateful  foil. 
To  tempt  the  dangers  of  the  billowy  main. 
And  break  their  ftrength  with  unabating  toil, 
A  frail  difaltrous  being  to  maintain. 
But  in  their  joyous  calm  abodes. 
The  recompence  of  juiHce  they  receive  ; 

And  in  the  fellowfhip  of  gods 
Without  a  tear  eternal  ages  live. 

^  6  While, 


156         WEST'S     POEMS. 

While,  baniih'd  by  the  Fates  from  joy  and  reft. 
Intolerable  woes  the  impious  foul  infelh 

A  N  T  J  S  T  R  O  P  H  E    IV. 
But  they  who,   in  true  virtue  ftrong. 
The  third  purgation  can  endure  ; 
And  keep  their  minds  from  fraudful  wrong 

And  guilt's  contagion  pure  ; 

They  through  the  Itarry  paths  of  Jove 

To  Saturn's  blifsful  feat  remove  ; 

Where  fragrant  breezes,  vernal  airs. 
Sweet  children  of  the  main. 
Purge  the  bleil  ifland  from  corroding  cares. 
And  fan  the  bofom  of  each  verdant  plain : 
Whofe  fertile  foil  immortal  fruitage  bears  ; 

Trees,  from  whofe  flaming  branches  flow 
Array'd  in- golden  bloom  refulgent  beams; 

And  flowers  of  golden  hue,  that  blow 
On  the  frefli  borders  of  their  parent  ftreams, 
Thefe,  by  the  blell  in  folemn  triumph  worn. 
Their  unpolluted  hands  and  clufliering  locks  adorn* 

E  P  O  D  E     IV. 

Such  is  the  righteous  will,  the  high  beheft. 
Of  Rhadamantkus,  ruler  of  the  blell ; 
The  juft  afl"efibr  of  the  throne  divine. 
On  which,  high  rais'd  above  all  gods,  recline, 
Link'd  in  the  golden  bands  of  wedded  love. 
The  great  progenitors  of  thundering  Jove. 

Tlxere> 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    Ode  II.     157 

There,  in  the  number  of  the  bleft  enroll'd. 
Live  Cadmus,  Peleus,  heroes  fam'd  of  old  ; 
And  young  Achilles,  to  thofe  ifles  remov'd, 
5oon  as,  by  Thetis  won,  relenting  Jove  approv'd  : 

STROPHE     V. 

Ac"hilles,  whofe  refilllefs  might 
Troy's  ftable  pillar  overthrew. 
The  valiant  Hedor,  firm  in  fight. 

And  hardy  Cygnus  flew. 
And  Memnon,  offspring  of  the  morn. 
In  torrid  Ethiopia  born — 
Yet  in  my  well-llor'd  breafl  remain 
Materials  to  fupply 
With  copious  argument  my  moral  drain, 
Whofe  myftic  fenfe  the  wife  alone  defcry. 
Still  to  the  vulgar  founding  harfh  and  vain. 

He  only,  in  whofe  ample  breafl 
Nature  hath  true  inherent  genius  pour'd. 
The  praife  of  wifdom  may  conteil ; 
Not  they  who,  with  loquacious  learning  flor'd. 
Like  crows  and  chattering  jays,  with  clamorous  cries 
Purfue  the  bird  of  Jove,  that  fails  along  the  Ikies. 

ANTISTROPHE     V. 

Come  on  !  thy  brighteft  fhafts  prepare. 
And  bend,  O  Mufe,  thy  founding  bow  ; 
Say,  through  what  paths  of  liquid  air 
Our  arrows  fhali  we  throw  ? 

Oft 


158  WEST'S      POEMS. 

On  Agrigentum  fix  thine  eye. 

Thither  let  all  thy  quiver  fly. 

And  thou,  O  Agrigentum,  hear. 
While,  with  religious  dread. 
And  taught  the  laws  of  jultice  to  revere. 
To  heavenly  vengeance  I  devote  my  head. 
If  aught  to  truth  repugnant  nov/  I  fwear. 

Swear,  that  no  ilate,  revolving  o'er 
The  long  memorials  of  recorded  days. 

Can  ftiew  in  all  her  boafted  ftore 
A  name  to  parallel  thy  Theron's  praife  ; 
One  to  the  a£ls  of  friendlhip  fo  inclin'd. 
So  fam'd  for  bounteous  deeds,  and  love  of  human  kind. 

E  P  O  D  E    V. 

Yet  hath  obftreperous  envy  fought  to  drown 
The  goodly  muficlc  of  his  fweet  renown  ; 
While,  by  fome  frantic  fpirits  borne  along 
To  mad  attempts  of  violence  and  wrong. 
She  turn'd  againft  him  fadlion's  raging  flood. 
And  ftrove  with  evil  deeds  to  conquer  good. 
But  who  can  number  every  fandy  grain 
Wafh'd  by  Sicilia's  hoarfe-refounding  main  ? 
Or  who  can  Theron's  generous  works  exprefs. 
And  tell  how  many  hearts  his  bounteous  virtues  blefs ! 


THF. 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  III.     159 


THE     THIRD     OLYMPiCK    ODE. 

This  Ode  Is  likevvifc  infcribcd  to  Theron  King  of 
Agrigentumj  upon  the  OccaHon  of  another  Vic- 
tory obtained  by  him  in  the  Ch?.i'.ot-Race  at 
Olympla ;  the  Date  of  which  Is  unkaown. 


THE  Schoiiall  acquaints  us,  that  as  Theron  was  cele- 
brating the  Theoxenia  (a  fefcival  inftituted  by  CaRor 
and  Pollux  in  honour  of  all  the  gods)  he  received  the 
news  of  a  vidory  obtained  by  his  chariot  in  the 
Olympick  Games:  from  this  circumftance  the  Poet 
takes  occafion  to  addrefs  this  Ode  to  thcfj  two  ileities 
and  their  fuler  Helena,  in  whofe  temple,  the  fime 
Scholiail  informs  us,  fome  people  with  greatcft  pro- 
bability conjeflured,  it  was  fung,  ac  a  folemn  facrifice 
there  offered  by  1  heron  to  thofe  deities,  ana.  to  Her- 
cules, alfo,  as  may  be  inferred  from  a  palfage  in  the 
third  Strophe  of  the  Tranflation.  But  there  is  an- 
other, and  a  more  poetical  propriety  in  Pindar's  in- 
voking thefe  divinities,  that  is  fuggefted  in  the  Ode 
itfelf :  for,  after  mentioning  the  occafion  of  his  com- 
pofmg  it,  namely,  the  Olympick  vidtory  of  Theron, 
and  faying  that  a  triumphal  fong  was  a  tribute  due 
to  that  perfon  upon  whom  the  Hellanodick,  or 
Judge  of  the  Games,  beflowed  the  facred  OHve,  ac- 
cording 


itjQ  WEST'S      POEMS. 

cording  to  the  inftitution  of  their  firft  founder  Her- 
cules, he  proceeds  to  relate  the  fabulous,  but  le- 
gendary ftory,  of  that  Hero's  having  brought  that 
plant  originally  from  Scythia,  the  country  of  the 
Hyperboreans,  to  Olympia ;  having  planted  it  there 
near  the  temple  of  Jupiter,  and  ordered  that  the 
vidlors  in  thofe  games  ihould,  for  the  future,  be 
crowned  with  the  branches  of  this  facred  tree.  To 
this  he  adds,  that  Hercules,  upon  his  being  removed 
to  heaven,  appointed  the  twin -brothers,  Callor  and 
Pollux,  to  celebrate  the  Olympick  Games,  and  exe- 
cute the  office  of  bellowing  the  Olive-crown  upon 
thofe  who  obtained  the  viftory;  and  now,  continues 
Pindar,  he  comes  a  propitious  gueft,  to  this  facrifice 
of  Theron,  in  company  with  the  two  fons  of  Leda, 
who,  to  reward  the  piety  and  zeal  of  Theron  and 
his  family,  have  given  them  fuccefs  and  glory ; 
to  the  utmoft  limits  of  which  he  infmuates  that 
Theron  is  arrived,  and  fo  concludes  with  affirming, 
that  it  would  be  in  vain  for  any  man,  wife  or  unwife, 
to  attempt  to  furpafs  him. 


TO 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    Ode  HI.     i6i 

T    O 

THERON  KING   OF   AGRIGENTUM. 

STROPHE    I. 

T  17  H  I  L  E  to  the  fame  of  Agragas  I  fing. 
For  Theron  wake  th'  Olympick  firing. 

And  with  Aonian  garlands  grace 

His  Heeds  unweary'd  in  the  race, 
O  may  the  hofpitable  twins  of  Jove, 
And  bright-hair'd  Helena,  the  fong  approve  ! 

For  this  the  Mufe  beftow'd  her  aid. 

As  in  new  meafure^  I  effay'd 

To  harmonize  the  tuneful  words. 
And  fet  to  Dorian  airs  my  founding  chords. 

ANTISTROPHE     I. 

And  lo  !  the  conquering  ftceds,  whofe  toffing  heads 
Olympia's  verdant  wreath  befpreads. 
The  Mufe-imparted  tribute  claim. 
Due,  Theron,  to  thy  glorious  name  ; 
And  bid  me  temper  in  their  matter's  praife 
The  flute,  the  warbling  lyre,  and  melting  lays. 

Lo  I   Pifa  too  the  fong  requires  ! 

Elean  Pifa,  that  infpires 

The  glowing  Bard  with  eager  care 

His  heaven-direfted  prefent  to  prepare  : 

VoL.LVir.  M  EPODE 


[62  WEST'S      POEMS. 

E  P  O  D  E     L 

The  prcfent  offer'd  to  his  virtuous  fame. 

On  whofc  enobled  brov/s 
The  righteous  umpire  of  the  facred  game, 

Th'  iEtolian  judge,  bellows 
The  darkfome  olive,  iludious  to  fulfill 
The  mighty  founder's  will. 

Who  this  fair  enfign  of  Olympick  toil 
From  diilant  Scythia's  fruitful  foil. 

And  Hyperborean  Iftcr's  woody  fhore. 
With  fair  entreaties  gain'd,  to  Grecian  Elis  bore. 

STROPHE     11. 
The  blamelefs  fervants  of  the  Delphick  God 

"With  joy  the  valued  gifts  beflow'd  ; 

Mov'd  by  the  friendly  chief  to  grant. 

On  terms  of  peace,  the  facred  plant, 
Deftin'd  at  once  to  fnade  Jove's  honour'd  flirinc 
And  crown  heroick  worth  v/ith  wreaths  divine. 

For  now  fuU-orb'd  the  wandering  moon 

In  plenitude  of  brightnefs  Ihone, 

And  on  the  fpacious  eye  of  night 
Pour'd  all  the  radiance  of  her  golden  light : 

ANTISTROPHE    11. 
Now  on  Jove's  altars  blaz'd  the  hallov/'d  flames. 

And  now  were  fix'd  the  mighty  games. 

Again,  v/hen  e'er  the  circling  fun. 

Four  times  his  annual  courfe  had  run. 
Their  period  to  renew,  and  fhine  again 
On  Alpheus'  craggy  lliores  and  Pifa's  plain 


Bun 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  III.     i6j 

But  fubjeft  all  the  region  lay- 
To  the  fierce  fun's  infulting  ray. 
While  upon  Pel  ops'  burning  vale 
No  Ihade  arofe  his  fury  to  repell. 

E  P  O  D  E     II. 

Then  travcrfing  the  hills,  whofe  jutting  bafe 

indents  Arcadia's  meads. 
To  where  the  virgin  goddefs  of  the  chacc 

Impells  her  foaming  fteeds. 
To  Scythian  liter  he  diredts  his  way, 

Doom'd  by  his  father  to  obey 
The  rigid  pleafures  of  Mycenae's  king. 
And  thence  the  rapid  hind  to  bring. 
Whom,  facred  prefent  for  the  Orthian  maid. 
With  horns  of  branching  gold,  Tiiygeta  array'd. 

STROPHE     III. 

There  as  the  longfome  chace  the  chief  purfued, 

I'he  fpacious  Scythian  plains  he  view'd ; 

A  land  beyond  the  chilling  blall 

And  northern  caves  of  Boreas  call : 
There  too  the  groves  of  olive  he  furvey'd. 
And  gaz'd  with  rapture  on  the  pjeafmg  fhade. 

Thence  by  the  wondering  hero  borne 

The  goals  of  Elis  to  adorn. 

And  now  to  Theron's  facred  feaft 
With  Leda's  twins  he  comes,  propitious  gueft  I 

M  2  ANTI- 


i64  WEST'S      POEMS. 

ANTISTROPHE     III. 

To  Leda's  twins  (when  heaven's  divine  abodes 
He  fought,  and  mingled  with  the  gods) 
He  gave  th'  illuftrious  Games  to  hold. 
And  crovvn  the  fwift,  the  Itrong,  and  bold. 

Then,  Mufe,  to  Theron  and  his  houfe  proclaim 

The  joyoifs  tidings  of  fuccefs  and  fame. 
By  Leda's  twins  bellow'd  to  grace, 
Emmenides,  thy  pious  race. 
Who,  mindful  of  heaven's  high  behells. 

With  ftridell  zeal  obferve  their  holy  fealls. 

E  P  O  D  E     III. 

As  water's  vital  llreams  all  things  furpafs. 

As  gold's  all-worfliip'd  ore 
Holds  amid  fortune's  ftores  the  higheft  clafs; 

So  to  that  diflant  fhore. 
To  where  the  pillars  of  Alcides  rife. 

Fame's  utm.oft  boundaries, 
Theron,  purfuing  his  fuccefsful  way. 

Hath  deck'd  with  glory's  brightefl  ray 
His  lineal  virtues. — Farther  to  attain. 
Wife,  and  unwife,  with  me  defpair :  th'  attempt  were 

vain. 


THE 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  V.      165 


THE     FIFTH    OLYMPICK    ODE. 

THIS  Ode  is  inlcribed  to  Pfaumis  of  Camarlna  (a 
town  in  Sicily,  who,  in  the  eighty-fecond  Olym- 
piad, obtained  three  viftories ;  one  in  the  race  of 
chariots  drawn  by  four  horfes  ;  a  fecond  in  the  race 
of  the  Apene,  or  chariot  drawn  by  mules,  and  a 
third  in  the  race  of  fmgle  horfes. 

Some  people  (it  feems)  have  doubted,  whether  this 
Ode  be  Pindar's,  for  certain  reafons,  which,  toge- 
ther with  the  arguments  on  the  other  fide,  the  learn- 
ed reader  may  find  in  the  Oxford  edition  and  others 
of  this  author;  where  it  is  clearly  proved  to  be  ge- 
nuine. But,  befides  the  reafons  there  given  for 
doubting  if  this  Ode  be  Pindar's,  there  is  another 
(though  not  mentioiied,  as  I  know  of,  by  any  one) 
which  may  have  helped  to  biafs  people  in  their  judg- 
ment upon  this  queition.  I  fhall  therefore  beg  leave 
to  confider  it  a  little,  becaufe  what  I  fliall  fay  upon 
that  head,  will  tend  to  illuftratc  both  the  meaning 
and  the  method  of  Pindar  in  this  Ode.  In  the  Greek 
editions  of  this  Author  there  are  two  Odes  (of 
which  this  is  the  fecond)  infcribed  to  the  fame  Pfau- 
mis, and  dated  both  in  the  fame  Olympiad.  But 
they  differ  from  each  other  in  feveral  particulars, 
as  well  in  the  matter  as  the  manner.  In  the  fecond 
Ode,  notice  is  taken  of  three  victories  obtained  by 
Pfaumis ;  in  the  firft,  of  only  one,  viz.  that  ob- 
M  3  tained 


i66  WEST'S     POEMS. 

tained  by  him  in  the  race  cf  chariots  drawn  by  four 
horfes :  in  the  fecond,  not  only  the  city  of  Cama- 
rina,  but  the  lake  of  the  fame  name,  many  rivers 
adjoining  to  it,  and  fome  circumftances  relating  to  the 
prefent  ftate,  and  the  rebuilding  of  that  city  (which 
had  been  deftroyed  by  the  Syracufians  fome  years 
before)  are  mentioned ;  whereas  in  the  firft,  Cama- 
rina  is  barely  named,  as  the  country  of  the  conque- 
ror, and  as  it  were  out  of  form  :  from  all  which  i 
conclude,  that  thefe  two  Odes  were  compofed  to  be 
fung  at  different  times,  and  in  different  places  ;  the 
firft  at  Olympia,  immediately  upon  Pfaumis's  being 
proclaimed  conqueror  in  the  chariot-race,  and  be- 
fore he  obtained  his  other  two  vidlories.  This  may 
with  great  probability  be  inferred,  as  well  from  no 
mention  being  there  made  of  thofe  two  viftories, 
as  from  the  prayer  which  the  poet  fubjoins  imme- 
diately to  his  account  of  the  firft,  viz.  that  hea\  en 
would  in  like  manner  be  favourable  to  the  reft  of 
the  victor's  wifhes ;  which  prayer,  though  it  be  in 
general  words,  and  one  frequently  ufed  by  Pindar 
in  other  of  his  Odes,  yet  has  a  peculiar  beauty  and 
propriety,  if  taken  to  relate  to  the  other  two  exer- 
cifes,  in  which  Pfaumis  was  ftill  to  contend ;  and 
in  which  he  afterwards  came  off  vidorious.  TJiai 
it  was  the  cuftom  for  a  conqueror,  at  the  time  of 
his  being  proclaimed,  to  be  attended  by  a  chorus, 
W'ho  fung  a  fong  of  triumph  in  honour  of  his  vic- 
tocy,  I  have  obferved  in  the  DiiTertation  prefixed  to 

thefe 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  V.      167 

thefe  Odes  *.  In  the  fecond,  there  are  fo  many 
marks  of  its  Jiaving  been  made  to  be  fung  at  the 
triumphal  entry  of  Pfaumis  into  his  own  country, 
and  thofe  fo  evident,  that,  after  this  hint  given, 
the  reader  cannot  help  obferving  them  as  he  goes 
through  the  Ode.  I  Ihall  therefore  fay  nothing 
more  of  them  in  this  place ;  but  that  they  tend,  by 
fiiewing  for  what  occafion  this  Ode  was  calculated, 
to  confirm  what  I  faid  relating  to  the  other ;  and 
jointly  with  that  to  prove,  that  there  is  no  reafon  to 
conclude  from  there  being  two  Odes  infcribed  to 
the  fame  perfon,  and  dated  in  the  fame  Olympiad, 
that  the  latter  is  not  Pindar's,  efpecally  as  it  ap- 
pears, both  in  the  Ityle  and  fpirit,  altogether  worthy 
of  him. 


THE  Poet  begins  with  addreffing  himfelf  to  Cama- 
rina,  a  fea  nymph,  from  whom  the  city  and  lake 
were  both  named,  to  befpeak  a  favourable  reception 
of  his  Ode,  a  prefent  which  he  tells  her  was  made 
to  her  by  Pfaumis,  who  rendered  her  city  illuflrious 
at  the  Olympick  Games ;  where  having  obtained 
three  viclories,  he  confecrated  his  fame  to  Camarina, 
by  ordering  the  herald,  when  he  proclaimed  him 
conqueror,  to  ftyle  him  of  that  city.  This  he  did 
at  Olympia ;  but  now,  continues  Pindar,  upon  his 
coming  home,  he  is  more  particular,  and  inferts  in 

*  See  Mr.  Weft's  Preface,  p.  126. 

M  4  his 


i68  WEST'S      POEMS. 

his  triumphal  fong  the  names  of  the  principal  places 
and  rivers  belonging  to  Camarina  ;  from  whence 
the  Poet  takes  occafion  to  fpeak  of  the  rebuilding  of 
that  city,  which  was  done  about  this  time,  and  of 
the  ftate  of  glory,  to  which,  out  of  her  low  and 
miferable  condition,  fhe  was  now  brought  by  the 
means  of  Pfaumis,  and  by  the  luftre  cail  on  her  by 
his  viftories  ;  victories  (fays  he)  not  to  be  obtained 
without  much  labour  and  expence,  the  ufual  atten- 
dants of  great  and  glorious  ad^ions ;  but  the  man 
who  fucceeded  in  fuch-like  undertakings,  was  fare 
to  be  rewarded  with  the  love  and  approbation  of 
his  countr)'.  The  Poet  then  addreffes  himfelf  to 
Jupiter  in  a  prayer,  befeeching  him  to  adorn  the  city 
and  ftate  of  Camarina  with  virtue  and  glory  ;  and 
to  grant  to  the  vidor  Pfaumis  a  joyful  and  con- 
tented old  age,  and  the  happinefs  of  dying  before  his 
children:  after  which  he  concludes  with  an  exhor- 
tation to  Pfaumis,  to  be  contented  with  his  condi- 
tion ;  which  he  infmuates  was  as  happy  as  that  of 
a  mortal  could  be,  and  it  was  to  no  purpofe  for  him 
to  wifh  to  be  a  god. 

STROPHE. 

"C'  A I  R  Camarina,  daughter  of  the  main, 
■^      With  gracious  fmiles  this  choral  fong  receive. 
Sweet  fruit  of  virtuous  toils  ;  whofe  noble  ftrain 
Shall  to  th'  Olympick  wreath  new  luftre  give  : 

Thdi 


OL^MPICK    ODES.    OdeV.      169 

This  Pfaumis,  whom  on  Alpheus'  fliore 

With  iinabating  fpeed 
The  harnefs'd  mules  to  conqueft  bore. 

This  gift  to  thee  decreed} 
Thee,  Camarina,  whofe  well-peopled  towers 
Thy  Pfaumis  render'd  great  in  fame. 
When  to  the  twelve  Olympian  powers 
He  fed  with  viftims  the  triumphal  flame. 

When,  the  double  altars  round, 

Slaughter'd  Bulls  beftrew'd  the  groundj 

When,  on  five  felefted  days, 

Jove  furvey'd  the  lift  of  praife ; 

While  along  the  dufty  courfe 

Pfaumis  urg'd  his  ftraining  horfe. 

Or  beneath  the  fecial  yoke 

Made  the  well-match'd  courfers  fmoke  ; 

Or  around  th'  Elean  goal 

Taught  his  mule-drawn  car  to  roll. 
Then  did  the  viftor  dedicate  his  fame 
To  thee,  and  bade  the  herald's  voice  proclaim 
Thy  new-eftablifli'd  walls,  and  Acron's  honour'd  name. 

ANTISTROPHE. 

But  now  return'd  from  where  the  pleafant  feat 
Once  of  Oenomaus  and  Pelops  Hood, 
Thee,  Civick  Pallas,  and  thy  chafte  retreat. 

He  bids  me  fmg,  and  fair  Oanus'  flood. 

And 


I70  W  E  S  T'  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

And  Camarina's  fleeping  wave. 
And  thofe  fequefter'd  fhores. 
Through  which  the  thirfty  town  to  lave 

Smooth  flow  th?  watery  ftores 

Of  fifhy  Hipparis,  profoundell  ilream, 

Adown  whole  wood-envelop'd  tide 

The  folid  pile  and  lofty  beam. 
Materials  for  the  future  palace,  glide. 

Thus,  by  war's  rude  tempefts  torn, 

Plung'd  in  mifery  and  fcorn. 

Once  again,  with  power  array'd, 

Camarina  lifts  her  head, 

Gayly  brightening  in  the  blaze, 

Pfaumis,  of  thy  hard-earn'd  praife. 

Trouble,  care,  expence,  attend 

Him  who  labours  to  afcend 

Where,  approaching  to  the  Ikies, 

Virtue  holds  the  facred  prize. 
That  tempts  him  to  atchieve  the  dangerous  deed : 
But,  if  his  well-concerted  toils  fucceed. 
His  country's  juft  applaufe  Ihall  be  his  glorious  meed, 

E  P  O  D  E. 
O  Jove  !  protector  of  mankind  ! 

O  cloud-enthroned  king  of  gods ! 
Who,  on  the  Chronian  mount  reclin'd. 

With  honour  crown'It  the  wide-ftream'd  floods 
Of  Alpheus,  and  the  folemn  gloom 
Of  Ida's  cave  1  to  thee  I  come 

Thy 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    OdeV.    171 

Thy  fuppliant,  to  foft  Lydian  reeds. 
Sweet  breathing  forth  my  tuneful  prayer. 
That,  grac'd  with  noble,  valiant  deeds. 
This  ftate  may  prove  thy  guardian  care; 
And  thou,  on  Whofe  viftorious  brow 
Olympia  bound  the  facred  bough. 
Thou  whom  Neptunian  Heeds  delight. 

With  age,  content,  and  quiet  crovvn'd, 
CaJm  may'ft  thou  fmk  to  endlefs  night. 
Thy  children,  Pfaumis,  weeping  round. 
And  fmce  the  gods  have  given  thee  fame  and  wealtl^ij, 
Join'd  with  that  prime  of  earthly  treafures,  healtK,. 
Enjoy  the  bleffings  they  to  man  afiign. 
Nor  fondly  figh  for  happinefs  divine. 


THE 


172 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


THE    SEVENTH    OLYMPICK    ODE. 

This  Ode  is  infcribed  to  Diagoras,  the  fon  of  Dama- 
getus  of  Rhodes,  who  in  the  Seventy-ninth  Olym- 
piad, obtained  the  vidlory  in  the  exercife  of  the  caellus. 

This  Ode  was  in  fuch  efteem  among  the  ancients,  that 
it  was  depofited  in  a  temple  of  Minerva,  written  in 
letters  of  gold. 


TH^E  Poet  begins  this  noble  fong  of  triumph  with  a 
fimile,  by  which  he  endeavours  to  fhew  his  great 
efteem  for  thofe  who  obtain  the  vidtory  in  the  Olym- 
pick  and  other  games;  as  alfo  the  value  of  the  pre- 
fent  that  he  makes  them  upon  that  occafion ;  a  pre- 
fent  always  acceptable,  becaufe  fame  and  praife  is 
that  which  delights  all  mortals;  wherefore  the  Mufe, 
fays  he,  is  perpetually  looking  about  for  proper  ob- 
jects to  beftow  it  upon ;  and  feeing  the  great  aftions 
of  Diagoras,  takes  up  a  refolution  of  celebrating  him, 
the  Ifle  of  Rhodes  his  country,  and  his  father  Da- 
magetus  (according  to  the  form  obferved  by  the 
herald  in  proclaiming  the  conquerors) ;  Damagetus, 
and  confequently  Diagoras,  being  defccnded  from 
Tlepolemus,  who  led  over  a    colony    of  Grecians 

.  from  Argos  to  Rhodes,  where  he  fettled,  and  ob- 
tained the  dominion  of  that  illand.  From  Tlepole- 
mus, therefore,  Pindar  declares  he  will  deduce  his 
fong;  which  he  addrefTes  to  all  the  Rhodians  in  com- 
mon 


■Hfli 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    Ode  VII.    173 

mon  with  Diagoras,  who  were  defcended  from  Tlepo- 
]emus,  or  from  thofe  Grecians  that  came  over  with 
him ;  that  is,  almoft  all  the  people  of  Rhodes,  who 
indeed  are  as  much  (if  not  more)  interefted  in  the 
greatelt  part  of  this  Ode,  as  Diagoras  the  conqueror. 
Pindar  accordingly  relates  the  occafion  of  Tlepole- 
mus's  coming  to  Rhodes,  which  he  tells  was  in 
obedience  to  an  oracle,  that  commanded  him  to  feek 
out  that  iflandi  which,  inftead  of  telling  us  its 
name,  Pindar,  in  a  more  poetical  manner,  charac- 
terizes by  relating  of  it  fome  legendary  ftories  (if  I 
may  fo  fpeak)  that  were  peculiar  to  the  ifle  of 
Rhodes ;  fuch  as  the  Golden  Shower,  and  the  occa- 
fion of  Apollo's  chufing  that  illand  for  himfelf; 
both  which  ftories  he  relates  at  large  with  fuch  a 
flame  of  Poetry  as  fhews  his  imagination  to  have 
been  extremely  heated  and  elevated  with  his  fub- 
jedls.  Neither  does  he  feem  to  cool  in  the  fliort 
account  that  he  gives,  in  the  next  place,  of  the 
paffion  of  Apollo  for  the  Nymph  RhodoS,  from 
whom  the  ifland  received  its  name,  and  from  whom 
were  defcended  its  original  inhabitants  (whom  juft 
before  the  Poet  therefore  called  the  fons  of  Apollo) : 
and  particularly  the  three  brothers,  Camirus,  Lindus, 
and  Jalyfus;  who  divided  that  country  into  three 
kingdoms,  and  built  the  three  principal  cities  which 
retained  their  names.  In  this  ifland  Tlepolemus 
(fays  the  Poet,  returning  to  the  ftory  of  that  hero) 
found  refl,  and  a  period  to  all  his  misfortunes,  and 
at  length  grew  into  fuch  efteem  with  the  Rhodians, 
that   they   worfliiped   him   as   a   God,   appointing 

facri- 


174  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

facrlfices  to  him,  and  inftituting  games  in  his  honour. 
The  mention  of  thofe  games  naturally  brings  back 
the  Poet  to  Diagoras ;  and  gives  him  occaiion,  from 
the  two  viftories  obtained  by  Diagoras  in  thofe 
games,  to  enumerate  all  the  prizes  won  by  that 
famous  conqueror  in  all  the  games  of  Greece :  after 
which  enumeration,  he  begs  of  Jupiter,  in  a  folemn 
prayer,  to  grant  Diagoras  the  love  of  his  country, 
and  the  admiration  of  all  the  world,  as  a  reward 
for  the  many  virtues  for  which  he  and  his  family 
had  always  been  diftinguilhed,  and  for  which  their 
country  had  fo  often  triumphed :  and  then,  as  if  he 
had  been  a  vvitnefs  of  the  extravagant  tranfports  of 
the  Rhodians  (to  which,  not  the  feitival  only  occa- 
fioned  by  the  triumphal  entry  of  their  countryman, 
and  the  glory  reflefted  upon  them  by  his  victories, 
but  much  more  the  flattering  and  extraordinary  eulo- 
giums  beltowed  upon  the  whole  nation  in  tliis  Ode, 
might  have  given  birth),  the  Poet  on  a  fudden 
changes  his  hand,  and  checks  their  pride  by  a  moral 
refleftion  on  the  viciflitude  of  fortune,  with  which 
he  exhorts  them  to  moderation,  and  fo  concludes, 

HEROIC     STANZAS. 
T. 
A  S  when  a  father  in  the  golden  vafe, 
•^^*"  The  pride  and  glory  of  his  wealthy  ftores, 
JBent  his  lov'd  daughter's  nuptial  torch  to  grace. 
The  vineyard's  purple  dews  profufely  pours ; 

6  n.  Thea 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    O  d  e  VII.      175 

II. 

Then  to  his  lips  the  foammg  chalice  rears. 

With  bleflings  hallow'd,  and  aufpicious  vows. 
And,  mingling  with  the  draught  tranfporting  tears. 

On  the  young  bridegroom  the  rich  gift  beftows ; 
III. 
The  precious  earaell  of  efteem  fincere. 

Of  friendly  union  and  connubial  love : 
The  bridal  train  the  facred  pledge  revere. 

And  round  the  youth  in  fprightly  meafures  move. 

IV. 
He  to  his  home  the  valued  prefent  bears. 

The  grace  and  ornament  of  future  feafts ; 
Where,  as  his  father's  bounty. he  declares. 

Wonder  fhall  feize  the  gratulating  gueus. 

V. 

Thus  on  the  valiant,  on  the  fwift,  and  Urong, 

Caftalia's  genuine  nedlar  I  bellow  ; 
And,  pouring  forth  the  Mufe-defcended  fong. 

Bid  to  their  praifes  the  rich  numbers  flow. 

VI. 

Grateful  to  them  refounds  th'  harmonick  Ode, 
The  gift  of  friendfhip  and  the  pledge  of  fame. 

Happy  the  mortal,  whom  th'-A^onian  God 
Chears  with  the  mufick  of  a  glorious  name  ! 

vri. 

The  Mufe  her  piercing  glances  throws  around. 
And  quick  difcovers  every  worthy  deed: 

And  now  fhe  wakes  the  lyre's  inchanting  found. 
Now  fills  with  various  ftrains  the  vocal  reed  : 

V!IL  But 


176  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

VI  r. 

But  here  each  inftrument  of  fong  divine. 

The  vocal  reed  and  lyre's  enchanting  ftrlng, 
She  tunes ;  and  bids  their  harmony  combine 

Thee,  and  thy  Rhodes,  Diagoras,  to  fmg; 
IX. 
Thee  and  thy  country,  native  of  the  flood. 

Which  from  bright  Rhodes  draws  her  honour'dname. 
Fair  nymph,  whofe  charms  fubdued  the  Delphic  God, 

Fair  blooming  daughter  of  the  Cyprian  dame : 
X. 
To  fmg  thy  triumphs  in  th'  Olympick  fand. 

Where  Alpheus  faw  thy  giant-temples  crown 'd; 
Fam'd  Pythia  too  proclaim'd  thy  conquering  hand. 

Where  fweet  Caftalia's  myftic  currents  found. 
XI. 
Nor  Damagetus  will  I  pafs  unfung. 

Thy  fire,  the  friend  of  Juftice  and  of  Truth; 
From  noble  anceftors  whofe  lineage  fprung. 

The  chiefs  who  led  to  Rhodes  the  Argive  youth. 
XII. 
There  near  to  Afia's  wide-extended  ftrand. 

Where  jutting  Embolus  the  waves  divides. 
In  three  divifions  they  poiTefs'd  the  land, 

Enthron'd  amid  the  hoarfe-refounding  tides. 
XIII. 
To  their  defcendants  will  I  tune  my  lyre. 

The  offspring  of  Alcides  bold  and  flrong; 
And  from  Tlepolemus,  their  common  fire, 

Deduce  the  national  hiftorick  fong, 

XIV.  Tlepole. 


O  L  Y  M  P  I  C  K    ODES.    Ode    VIL     177 

XIV. 
Tlepolemus  of  great  Alcides  came. 

The  fruits  of  fair  Aftydameia's  love, 
jove-born  Amyntor  got  tlie  A.rgive  dame  : 

So  either  lineage  is  deriv'd  from  Jove. 

XV. 
But  wrapt  in  error  is  the  human  mind. 

And  human  blifs  is  ever  infecure : 
Know  we  what  fortune  yet  remains  behind  r 

Know  we  how  long  the  prefent  fhall  endure  ? 

XVI. 
For  lo  !   the  *  founder  of  the  Pvhodian  ftate. 

Who  from  Saturnian  Jove  his  being  drew. 
While  his  fell  bofom  fweli'd  with  vengeful  hate. 

The  baftard-brcther  of  Alcmena  flew. 

XVII. 
With  his  rude  mace,  in  fair  Tiryntha's  walls, 

Tlepolemus  inflidls  the  horrid  wound : 
Ev'n  at  his  mother's  door  Licymnius  falls. 

Yet  warm  from  her  embrace,  and  bites  the  ground. 

XVIII. 
Paffion  may  oft  the  wifefl:  heart  furprize  : 

Confcious  and  trembling  for  the  murderous  deed. 
To  Delphi's  Oracle  the  hero  flies. 

Solicitous  to  learn  what  Heaven  decreed. 

♦  Tlepolemus. 
Vol.  LVII,  N  XIX.  Him 


178  V/  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

XJX. 
Him  bright-hair'd  Phabus  from  his  odorous  fane. 

Bade  fet  his  flying  fails  from  Lerna's  Ihore, 
And,  in  the  bofom  of  the  Eaftern  Main, 
That  fea-girt  region  haften  to  explore; 
XX. 
That  blifsful  ifland,  where  a  wonderous  cloud 

Once  rain'd,  at  Jove's  command,  a  golden  fliower; 
What  time,  ainHed  by  the  Lemnian  God, 

The  King  of  Heaven  brought  forth  the  A^irgin  Power. 
XXI. 
By  Vulcan's  art  the  father's  teeming  head 

Was  open'd  wide,  and  forth  impetuous  fprung. 
And  fliouted  fierce  and  loud,  the  warrior  Maid ; 
Old  Mother  Earth  and  Heaven  affrighted  rung. 
XXII. 
Then  Hyperion's  fon,  pure  fount  of  day. 

Did  to  his  children  the  flrange  tale  reveal : 
He  warn'd  them  ftrait  the  facrifice  to  flay. 

And  worfhip  the  young  Power  with  earliefl  zeal. 
XXTII. 
So  would  they  footh  the  mighty  father's  mind. 

Pleas 'd  with  the  honours  to  his  daughter  paidj 
And  fo  propitious  ever  would  they  find 
Minerva,  warlike,  formidable  maid. 
XXIV. 
On  {laid  precaution,  vigilant  and  wife. 

True  virtue  and  true  happinefs  depend ; 
JBut  oft  Oblivion's  darkening  clouds  arife. 

And  from  the  deflin'd  fcope  our  purpofe  bend. 

XXV.  The 


OLYMPIC  K    ODES.    Ode    VII.    179 

XXV. 
The  Rhodians,  mindful  of  their  lire's  beheft. 

Strait  in  the  citadel  an  altar  rear'd; 
But  with  imperfedl  rites  the  power  addrefs'd. 
And  without  fire  their  facrifice  prepar'd. 
XXVI. 
Yet  Jove  approving  o'er  th'  afTembly  fpread 

A  yellow  cloud,  that  dropp'd  with  golden  dews ; 
While  in  their  opening  hearts  the  blue-ey'd  maid 
Deign'd  her  celeftial  fcience  to  infufe. 
XXVII. 
Thence  in  all  arts  the  fons  of  Rhodes  excel. 

Though  beil  their  forming  hands  the  chiflel  guide ; 
This  in  each  ftreet  the  breathing  marbles  tell. 
The  ftranger's  wonder,  and  the  city's  pride. 
XXVIII. 
Great  praife  the  works  of  Rhodian  artifts  find. 

Yet  to  their  heavenly  miftrefs  much  they  owe; 
Since  art  and  learning  cultivate  the  mind. 
And  make  the  feeds  of  genius  quicker  grow. 
XXIX. 
Some  fay,  that  when  by  lot  th'  immortal  gods 
With  Jove  thefe  earthly  regions  did  divide. 
All  undifcover'd  lay  Phoebean  Rhodes, 

Whelm'd  deep  beneath  the  fait  Carpathian  tide; 
XXX. 
That,  abfent  on  his  courfe,  the  God  of  Day 

By  all  the  heavenly  fynod  was  forgot. 
Who,  his  inceflant  labours  to  repay. 
Nor  land  nor  fea  to  Phoebus  did  allot; 

N  2  XXXI.  That 


iSa  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

xxxr. 

That  Jove  reminded  would  again  renew 

Th'  unjull  partition,  but  the  God  deny'd; 
And  faid,  beneath  yon  hoary  furge  I  view 
An  ifle  emerging  through  the  briny  tide : 
XXXII. 
A  region  pregnant  with  the  fertile  feed 

Of  plants,  and  herbs,  and  fruits,  and  foodful  grain; 
Each  verdant  hill  unnumber'd  flocks  fhall  feed ; 
Unnumber'd  men  poffefs  each  flowery  plain. 
XXXIII. 
Then  ftrait  to  Lachefis  he  gave  command. 
Who  binds  in  golden  cauls  her  jetty  hair; 
He  bade  the  fatal  filter  ftretch  her  hand. 
And  by  the  Stygian  rivers  bade  her  fwear; 
XXXIV. 
Swear  to  confirm  the  Thunderer's  decree. 

Which  to  his  rule  that  fruitful  ifland  gave. 
When  from  the  ouzy  bottom  of  the  fea 

Her  head  ihe  rear'd  above  the  Lycian  wave. 
XXXV. 
The  fatal  After  fwore,  nor  fwore  in  vain  ; 

Nor  did  the  tongue  of  Delphi's  Prophet  err; 
Up-fprung  the  blooming  ifland  through  the  main; 
And  Jove  on  Phoebus  did  the  boon  confer. 
XXXVI. 
In  this  fam'd  ifle,  the  radiant  fire  of  light. 

The  god  whofe  reins  the  fiery  fleeds  obey. 
Fair  Rhodes  faw,  and,  kindling  at  the  fight, 
Seiz'd,  and  by  force  enjoy'd  the  beauteous  prey: 
XXXVII.  From 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    O  d  e  VII.       i8x 

XXXVII. 
From  whofe  divine  embraces  fprung  a  race 

Of  mortals,  wifeft  of  all  human-kind  ; 
Seven  fons,  endow'd  with  every  noble  grace; 
The  noble  graces  of  a  fapient  mind. 
XXXVIII. 
Of  thefe  lalyfus  and  Liudus  came. 

Who  with  Camirus  fhar'd  the  Rhodian  lands ; 
Apart  they  reign'd,  and  facred  to  his  name 
Apart  each  brother's  royal  city  llands. 
XXXIX. 
Here  a  fecure  retreat  from  all  his  woes 

Aftydameia's  haplefs  offspring  found ; 
Here,  like  a  God  in  undillurb'd  repofe. 

And  like  a  God  with  heavenly  honours  crowned, 
XL. 
Hii  priells  and  blazing  altars  he  furveys. 

And  hecatombs,  that  feed  the  odorous  flame  ; 
With  games,  memorial  of  his  deathlefs  praife ; 
Where  twice,  Diagoras,  unmatch'd  in  fame, 
XLI. 
Tv.  ice  on  thy  head  the  livid  poplar  fhone, 

Mix'd  with  the  darkfome  pine,  that  binds  the  brows 
Of  Illhmian  viftors,  and  the  Nemean  crown. 
And  every  palm  that  Attica. beflows. 
XLII. 
Diagoras  th'  Arcadian  vafe  obtain 'dj 

Argo^  to  him  adjudg'd  her  brazen  Ihield; 
His  mighty  hands  the  Theban  tripod  gain'd. 
And  bore  the  priz,e  from  each  Bosotian  field, 

N  3  XLIIL  S":. 


i82  WEST'S     POEMS. 

XLIII. 

Six  times  iii  reugh  ^gina  he  prevail'd ; 

As  oft  Pellene's  robe  of  honour  won  j 
And  ftill  at  Megara  in  vain  affail'd. 

He  with  his  name  hath  iill'd  the  viftor's  ftone. 
XLIV. 
O  thou,  who,  high  on  Atabyrias  thron'd, 

Seeft  from  his  fummits  all  this  happy  iHc, 
By  thy  proteftion  be  mv  labours  crown'd ; 

Vouchfafe,  Saturnius,  on  my  verfe  to  fmile  ! 
XLV. 
And  grant  to  him,  whole  virtue  is  my  theme, 

Whofe  valiant  heart  th'  Olympick  wreaths  proclaim, 
At  home  his  country's  favour  and  efteemj  j 

Abroad,  eternal,  univerfal  fame. 
XLVI. 
for  well  to  thee  Diagoras  is  known ; 

Ne'er  to  injuftice  have  his  paths  declin'd : 
Nor  from  his  fires  degenerates  the  fon ; 

Whofe  precepts  and  examples  fire  his  mind. 
XL  VII. 
Then  from  obfcurlty  preferve  a  race. 

Who  to  their  country  joy  and  glory  give  ; 
Their  country,  that  in  them  views  every  grace. 

Which  from  their  great  forefathers  they  receive. 
XLVIII. 
Yet  as  the  gales  of  Fortune  various  blow. 

To-day  tempeftuous,  and  to-morrow  fair. 
Due  bounds,  ye  Rhodians,  let  your  tranfports  know; 

Perhaps  to-morrow  comes  a  ftorm  of  care. 

THE 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    O  d  e  XI.     183 

THE  ELEVENTH  OLYMPICK  ODE. 

This  Ode  is  infcribed  to  Agefidamus  of  Locris,  who, 
in  the  Seventy-fourth  Olympiad,  obtained  the  vic- 
tory in  the  exercife  of  the  Ca^ftus,  and  in  the  clafs 
of  boys. 

The  preceding  Ode  in  the  original  is  infcribed  to  the 
fame  perfon ;  and  in  that  we  learn,  that  Pindar  had 
for  a  long  time  promifed  Agefidamus  an  Ode  upon 
his  vidory,  which  he  at  length  paid  him,  acknow- 
ledging himfelf  to  blame  for  having  been  fo  long  in 
his  debt.  To  make  him  fome  amends  for  having 
delayed  payment  fo  long,  he  fent  him  by  way  of  in- 
terell:  together  with  the  preceding  Ode,  which  is  of 
fome  length,  the  ihort  one  that  is  here  tranflated, 
and  which  in  the  Greek  title  is  for  that  reafonllyled 
Tox(^  or  intereft. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE  Poet,  by  two  comparifons,  with  which  he  be- 
gins his  Ode,  infinuates  how  acceptable  to  fuccefsful 
merit  thcfe  fongs  of  triumph  are,  which  ^ive  liabi- 
lity and  duration  to  their  fame :  then  declaring  that 
thefe  fongs  are  due  to  the  Olympick  Conquerors,  he 
proceeds  to  celebrate  the  victory  of  Agefidamus, 
and  the  praifes  of  the  Locrians,  his  countrymen, 
whom  he  commends  for  their  having  been  always 
reputed  a  brave,  wife,  and  hofpitable  nation ;  from 
whence  he  infinuates,  that  their  virtues  being  here- 
N  4  ditary 


i84  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

ditary  and  innate,  there  was  no  more  likelihood  ofi 
their  departing  from  them,  than  there  was  of  the 
fox  and  lion's  changing  their  natures. 

STROPHE. 

'T  O  wind-bound  mariners  mofl  welcome  blow 
"*•     The  breezy   zephyrs    through    the   wiuftling 

fhrouds : 
Moll  welcome  to  the  thirfty  mountains  flow 

Soft  Ihowersj  the  pearly  daughters  of  the  clouds;, 
And  when  on  virtuous  toils  the  gods  beftow 

Succefs,  moft  welcome  found  mellifluous  odes, 
Whofe  numbers  ratify  the  voice  of  Fame, 
And  to  illuflrious  worth  infure  a,  lafling  name. 

ANTISTROPHE. 

Such  fame,  fuperior  to  the  hoflile  dart 

Of  canker'd  envy,  Pifa's  Chiefs  attends. 
Fain  would  my  Mufe  th'  immortal  boon  impart^ 
Th'   immortal   boon  which  from   high   Heaven 
defcends. 
And  now  infpir'd  by  Heaven  thy  valiant  heart, 

xA.gcfidamus,  flie  to  Fame  commends: 
Now  adds  the  ornament  of  tuneful  praife. 
And  decks  thy  olive-crown  vvith  fweetly-founding  lays. 

E  P  O  D  E. 

But  while  thy  bold  atchievements  I  rehearfe. 

Thy  youthful  victory  in  Pifa's  {and. 
With  thee  partaking  in  the  friendly  verfe 

Not  unregarded  fhall  thy  Locris  Hand, 

Theu 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    O&e  XL     j 

Then  hafte,  ye  Mufes,  join  the  choral  band 
Of  felHve  youths  upon  the  Locrian  plain; 

To  an  unciviliz'd  and  favage  land 
Think  not  I  now  invite  your  virgin  train. 
Where  barbarous  ignorance  and  foul  difdain 

Of  focial  Virtue's  hofpitable  lore 
Prompts  the  unmanner'd  and  inhuman  fvvain 

To  drive  the  ftranger  from  his  churlifh  door. 

A  nation  fhall  ye  find,  renown'd  of  yore 
For  martial  valour  and  for  worthy  deeds  j 

Rich  in  a  vaft  and  unexhaufted  ftore 
Of  innate  wifdom,  whofe  prolific  feeds 
Spring  in  each  age.     So  Nature's  laws  require  t 
And  the  great  laws  of  Nature  ne'er  expire. 
Uachang'd  the  lion's  valiant  race  remains. 
And  all  his  father's  wiles  the  youthful  fox  retains* 


THE 


i86  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 


THE  TWELFTH  OLYMPICK  ODE. 

This  Ode  Is  infcribed  to  Ergoteles  the  Son  of  Phl-| 
lanor  of  Himera,  who,  in  the  Serenty-feventh 
Olympiad,  gained  the  prize  in  the  Foot-Racei 
called  Dolichos  or  the  Long  Courfe. 


Ergoteles  was  originally  of  Crete,  but  being  driven 
from  thence  by  the  fury  of  a  prevailing  faflion,  he 
retired  to  Himera,  a  town  of  Sicily,  where  he  was 
honourably  received,  and  admitted  to  the  freedom 
of  the  city ;  after  which  he  had  the  happinefs  to 
obtain,  what  the  Greeks  efleemed  the  higheft  pitch 
of  glory,  the  Olympick  Crown.  Paufanias  fays  he 
gained  two  Olympick  Crowns  ;  and  the  fame  num- 
ber in  each  of  the  other  three  facred  Games,  the 
Pythian,  Illhmian,  and  Nemean.  From  thefe  re- 
markable viciffitudes  of  Fortune  in  the  life  of 
Ergoteles,  Pindar  takes  occafion  to  addrefs  himfelf 
to  that  powerful  directrefs  of  all  human  affairs,  im- 
ploring her  protedtion  for  Himera,  the  adopted 
country  of  Ergoteles.  Then,  after  defcribing  in 
general  terms  the  univerfal  influence  of  that  deity 
upon  all  the  aftions  of  mankind,  the  uncertainty  of 
events,  and  the  vanity  of  Hope,  ever  fiuiSluating  in 

igno- 


OLYMPICK    ODES.    Ode  XIL     187 

ignorance  and  error,  he  affigns  a  reafon  for  that 
vanity,  viz.  That  the  gods  have  not  given  to  mor- 
tal men  any  certain  evidence  of  their  future  for- 
tunes, which  often  happen  to  be  the  very  reverfe 
both  of  their  hopes  and  fears.  Thus,  fays  he,  it 
happened  to  Ergoteles,  whofe  very  misfortunes 
were  to  him  the  occasion  of  happinefs  and  glory ; 
fmce,  had  he  not  been  banifhed  from  his  country, 
he  had  probably  pafTed  his  life  in  obfcurity,  and 
wafted  in  domeftick  broils  and  quarrels  that  ftrength 
and  aftivity,  v/hich  his  more  peaceful  fituation  at 
Himera  enabled  him  to  im.prove,  and  employ  for 
the  obtaining  the  Olympick  crown. 
This  Ode,  one  of  the  fhorteft,  is,  at  the  fame  time,  in 
its  order  and  connedlion,  the  cleareft  and  moft  com- 
paft  of  any  to  be  met  with  in  Pindar. 

STROPHE. 

TTJAUGHTER  of  Eleutherian  Jove, 

To  thee  my  fupplications  I  prefer  ! 
For  potent  Himera  my  fuit  I  move  ; 

Protettrefs  fortune,  hear  ! 

Thy  deity  along  the  pathlefs  main 

In  her  wild  courfe  the  rapid  veffel  guides ; 

Rules  the  fierce  conflift  on  th'  embattled  plain. 

And  in  deliberating  ftates  prefides. 

Tofs'd  by  thy  uncertain  gale 

On  the  feas  of  error  fail 

Human 


m         WEST'S     POEMS. 

Human  hopes,  now  mounting  high 
On  the  f-.velling  furge  of  joy  ; 
Now  with  unexpefled  woe 
Sinking  to  the  depths  below. 

ANTISTROPHE. 

For  fare  prefage  of  things  to  come 
None  yet  on  mortals  have  the  gods  beflow'd  > 
Nor  of  futurity's  impervious  gloom 

Can  wifdom  pierce  the  cloud. 
Oft  our  moft  fanguine  views  th'  event  deceives. 
And  veils  in  fudden  grief  the  fmrling  ray  : 
Oft,  when  with  woe  the  mournful  bofom  heave?. 
Caught  in  a  ftorm  of  anguifh  and  difmav, 

Fafs  fome  fleeting  moments  bv. 

All  at  once  the  tempefts  fly : 

Inllant  fhifts.  the  clouded  fcene  ; 

Heaven  renews  its  fmiles  ferene  ; 

And  on  Joy's  untroubled  tides 

Smooth  to  port  the  vefTel  glides. 

E  P  O  D  E. 

*  Son  of  Philanor  !  in  the  fecret  fliade 

Thus  had  thy  fpeed  unknown  to  fame  decay 'd  ; 

Thus,  like  the  f  crefted  bird  of  Mars,  at  home 

Engag'd  in  foul  domeftick  jars. 

And  wafted  with  inteftine  wars, 

*  Ergoteles.  t  The  cock. 

Iiigbriou^ 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  XII.     189 

Inglorious  hadft  thou  fpent  thy  vigorous  bloom ; 
.  Had  not  fedition's  civil  broils 
Expell'd  thee  from  thy  native  Crete, 
And  driven  thee  with  more  glorious  toils 

Th'  Olympick  crown  in  Pifa's  plain  to  meet. 

With  olive  now,  with  Pythian  laurels  grac'd. 

And  the  dark  chaplets  of  the  Ifthmian  pine. 

In  Himera's  adopted  city  plac'd. 

To  all,  Ergoteles,  thy  honours  fhine. 

And  raife  her  lultre  by  imparting  thine. 


THE 


ipo 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


THE  FOURTEENTH  OLYMPICK  ODE. 

This  Ode  is  infcribed  to  Afophicus,  the  Son  of 
Cleodemus  of  Orchomenus  ;  who,  in  the  Se- 
venty-fixth  Olympiad,  gained  the  vidlory  in 
the  fimple  Foot-Race,  and  in  the  Clafs  of  Boys. 


ORCHOMENUS,  a  city  of  BcEotIa,  and  the 
country  of  the  vidlor  Afophicus,  being  under  the 
proteftion  of  the  Graces,  her  tutelary  deities,  to  them 
Pindar  addreffes  this  Ode ;  which  was  probably 
fung  in  the  very  temple  of  thofe  goddeffes,  at  a  fa- 
crifice  offered  by  Afophicus  on  occafion  of  his  vic- 
tory. The  Poet  begins  this  invocation  with  ftiling 
the  Graces  queens  of  Orchomenus,  and  guardians 
of  the  children  of  Minyas,  the  firft  king  of  that 
city  ;  whofe  fertile  territories,  he  fays,  were  by  lot 
affigned  to  their  protedlion.  Then,  after  defcrib- 
ing  in  general  the  properties  and  operations  of  thefe 
deities,  both  in  earth  and  heaven,  he  proceeds  to 
call  upon  each  of  them  by  name  to  affifl  at  the  fmg- 
ing  of  this  Ode ;  which  was  made,  he  tells  them, 
to  celebrate  the  vidiory  of  Afophicus,  in  the  glory 
of  which  Orchomenus  had  her  (hare.  Then  addreff- 
ing  himfelf  to  Echo,  a  nymph  that  formerly  re- 
fided  on  the  banks  of   Cephifus,   a  river  of  that 

country. 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  XIV.     191 

country,  he  charges  her  to  repair  to  the  manfion  of 
Proferpine,  and  impart  to  Cleodemus,  the  father  of 
Afophicus  (who  from  hence  appears  to  have  been 
dead  at  that  time)  the  happy  news  of  his  fon's  vic- 
tory ;  and  fo  concludes. 

MONOSTROPHAICK. 
STROPHE     I. 

VT  E  powers,  o'er  all  the  flowery  meads. 
Where  deep  Cephifus  rolls  his  lucid  tide, 

Allotted  to  prefide. 
And  haunt  the  plains  renown'd  for  beauteous  fteeds. 

Queens  of  Orchomenus  the  fair. 
And  facred  guardians  of  the  ancient  line 

Of  Minyas  divine. 
Hear,  O  ye  Graces,  and  regard  my  prayer  ! 
All  that's  fweet  and  pleafmg  here 

Mortals  from  your  hands  receive  : 
Splendor  ye  and  fame  confer. 

Genius,  wit,  and  beauty  give. 
Nor,  without  your  fhining  train. 
Ever  on  th'  asthereal  plain 
In  harmonious  meafures  move 
The  celeftial  choirs  above  ; 
When  the  figur'd  dance  they  lead. 
Or  the  neftar'd  banquet  fpread. 
But  with  thrones  immortal  grac'd. 
And  by  Pythian  Phoebus  plac'd. 


X92  WEST'S     POEMS. 

Ordering  through  the  blell  abodes 
All  the  fplendid  works  of  gods. 
Sit  the  filters  in  a  ring, 
Round  the  golden- fhafted  king  : 
And  with  reverential  love 

Worfhiping  th'  Olympian  throne. 
The  majeitick  brow  of  Jove 

With  unfading  honours  crown. 

STROPHE     II. 

Aglaia,  graceful  virgin,  hear  ! 
And  thou,  Euphrofyne,  whofe  ear 
Delighted  liflens  to  the  warbled  ftrain  ! 
Bright  daughters  of  Olympian  Jove, 
The  beft,  the  greatefl  power  above  ; 
With  your  illuftrious  prefence  deign 
To  grace  our  choral  fong  ! 
Whofe  notes  to  vi6lory's  glad  found 
In  wanton  meafures  lightly  bound. 

Thalia,  come  along  ! 
Come,  tuneful  maid  !  for,  lo  !  my  firing 
With  meditated  fkiU  prepares 
In  foftly  foothing  Lydian  airs 
Afophicus  to  fmg; 
Afophicus,  whofe  fpeed  by  thee  fuftain'd 
The  wreath  for  his  Orchomenus  cbtain'd. 
Go  then,  fportive  Echo,  go. 
To  the  fable  dome  below, 

Proferplne's 


OLYMPICK    ODES.     Ode  XIV.     195 

Proferpine's  black  dome,  repair. 
There  to  Cleodemus  bear 
Tidings  of  immortal  fame  : 
Tell,  how  in  the  rapid  game 
O'er  Pifa's  vale  his  fon  viftorious  fled; 
Tell,  for  thou  faw'ft  him  bear  away 
The  winged  honours  of  the  day ; 
And  deck'd  with  wreaths  of  fame  his  youthful  head. 


Vol.  LVTL  O  THE 


J94  W  E  S  T  »  S      POEMS. 

THE    FIPvST    PYTHIAN    ODE. 

This  Ode  is  infciibed  to  Hiero  of  iEtna,  King  of 
Syracufe,  who,  in  the  Twenty-ninth  Pythiad, 
(which  anfwers  to  the  feventy-eighth  Olympiad) 
gained  the  vidory  in  the  Chariot-Pvace. 


THE  Poet,  addrcffing  himfelf  in  the  firft  place  to  his 
harp,  launches  out  immediately  into  a  defcription 
of  the  wonderful  efFedls  produced  in  heaven  by  the 
inchanting  harmony  of  that  divine  mftrument,  when 
played  upon  by  Apollo,  and  accompanied  by  the 
Mufes  ;  thefe  efFefts,  fays  he,  are  to  celeftial  minds 
delight  and  rapture ;  but  the  contrary  to  the  wicked, 
who  cannot  hear,  without  horror,  this  heavenly  mu- 
fick.  Having  mentioned  the  wicked,  he  falls  into 
an  account  of  the  puniihment  of  Typhoeus,  an  im- 
pious giant;  who,  having  prefumed  to  defy  Jupiter, 
was  by  him  call  into  Tartarus,  and  then  chained 
under  Mount  JEtna.,  whofe  fiery  eruptions  he  afcribes 
to  this  giant,  whom  he  therefore  ftyles  Vulcanian 
Monfter.  The  defcription  of  thefe  eruptions  of 
Mount  ^tna,  he  clofes  with  a  fhort  prayer  to  Ju- 
piter, who  had  a  temple  upon  that  mountain,  and 
from  thence  paffes  to,  what  indeed  is  more  properly 
the  fubjcfl  of  this  Ode,  the  Pythian  viftory  of  Hiero. 
This  part  of  the  Poem  is  connected  with  what  went 
before  by  the  means  of  ^tna,  a  city  built  by  Hiero, 

and 


PYTHIAN     ODES.     Ode  I.       195 

and  named  after  the  mountain  in  whofe  neighbour- 
hood it  Hood.  Hiero  had  ordered  himfelf  to  be  ftjrled 
of  ^tna  by  the  herald  who  proclaimed  his  viftory 
in  the  Pythian  Games ;  from  which  glorious  begin- 
ning, fays  Pindar,  the  happy  city  prefages  to  her- 
felf  all  kinds  of  glory  and  felicity  for  the  future. 
Then  addreiTrng  himfelf  to  Apollo,  the  patron  of 
the  Pythian  Games,  he  befeeches  him  to  make  the 
citizens  of  ^tna  great  and  happy;  all  human  ex- 
cellencies being  the  gifts  of  heaven.  To  Hiero,  in 
like  manner,  he  wilhes  felicity  and  profperity  for 
the  future,  not  to  be  difturbed  by  the  return  or  re- 
membrance of  any  paft  affliftions.  The  toils 
indeed  and  troubles  which  Hiero  had  undergone, 
before  he  and  his  brother  Gelo  obtained  the  fove- 
reignty  of  Syracufe,  having  been  crowned  with  fuc- 
cefs,  will  doubtlefs,  fays  Pindar,  recur  often  to  his 
memory  with  great  delight :  and  then  taking  notice 
of  the  condition  of  Hiero,  who,  it  feems,  being  at 
that  time  troubled  with  the  ftone,  was  carried  about 
in  the  army  in  a  litter,  or  chariot,  he  compares  him 
to  Philoftetes  :  this  hero,  having  been  wounded  in 
the  foot  by  one  of  Hercules's  arrows,  ftaid  in  Lem- 
nos  to  get  cured  of  his  wound  ;  but  it  being  decreed 
by  the  Fates,  that  Troy  fliould  not  be  taken  without 
thofe  arrows,  of  which  Philoftetes  had  the  pof- 
feflion,  the  Greeks  fetched  him  from  Lemnos,  lame 
and  wounded  as  he  was,  and  carried  him  to  the  ficge. 
As  Hiero  refembled  Philodletes  in  one  point,  may  he 
alfo,  adds  the  Poet,  refemble  him  in  another,  and  rc- 
O  2  cover 


J96  WEST'S      POEMS. 

cover  his  health  by  the  afhilance  of  a  divinity.  Then' 
addrefllng  himfelf  to  Dinomenes,  the  fon  of  Hiero, 
whom  that  prince  intended  to  make  king  of  j^tna^  he 
enters  into  an  account  of  the  colony,  which  Hiero  had 
fettled  in  that  city :  the  people  of  this  colony  being 
originally  defcended  from  Sparta,  were,  at  their  own 
r.equelt,  governed  by  the  laws  of  that  famous  com- 
monwealth. To  this  account  Pindar  fubjoins  a  prayer 
to  Jupiter,  imploring  him  to  grant  that  both  the  king 
and  people  of  ^-Etna  may,  by  anfwerable  deeds,  main- 
tain the  glory  and  fplendor  of  their  race ;  and  that 
Hiero,  and  his  fon  Dinomenes,  taught  to  govern  by 
the  precepts  of  his  father,  may  be  able  to  difpofe  their 
minds  to  peace  and  unity.  For  this  purpofe,  conti- 
nues he,  do  thou,  O  Jupiter,  prevent  the  Carthagini- 
ans and  the  Tufcans  from  invading  Sicily  any  more, 
by  recalling  to  their  minds  the  great  lolles  they  had  ,^ 
lately  fuftained  from  the  valour  of  Hiero  and  his  bro-  || 
thers ;  into  a  more  particular  detail  of  whofe  courage  ' 
and  virtue,  Pindar  infniuates  he  would  gladly  enter, 
was  he  not  afraid  of  being  too  prolix  and  tedious;  a 
fault  which  is  apt  to  breed  in  the  reader  fatiety  and 
difgufl ;  and  though,  continues  he,  exceffive  fame  pro- 
duces often  the  fame  effeds  in  envious  minds,  yet  do 
not  thou,  O  Hiero  !  upon  that  confideration,  omit  do- 
ing any  great  or  good  aflion;  it  being  far  better  to 
be  envied  than  to  be  pitied.  With  this,  andfome  pre- 
cepts ufeful  to  all  kings  in  general,  and  others  more 
peculiarly  adapted  to  the  temple  of  Hiero,  whom,  as 

he 


PYTHIAN     ODES.     Ode  I.       197^ 

he  was  fomewhat  inclined  to  avarice,  he  encou- 
rages to  adls  of  generofity  and  munificence,  from  the 
confideration  of  the  fame  accruing  to  the  princes  of 
that  charafter,  and  the  infamy  redounding  to  tyrants, 
he  concludes ;  winding  up  all  with  obferving,  that 
the  firft  of  all  human  bleflings  confilts  in  being  vir- 
tuous ;  the  fecond  ia  being  praifed ;  and  that  he, 
who  has  the  happinefs  to  enjoy  botli  thefe  at  the 
fame  time,  is  arrived  at  the  higheil  point  of  earthly 
felicity. 

D  E  C  A  D  E     I. 

TjAIL,  golden  lyre  I  whofe  heaven-invented  lli-iiig 
■^  To  Phcebus  and  the  black-hair'd  Nine  belongs ; 
Who  in  fweet  chorus  round  their  tuneful  king 

Mix  with  thy  founding  chords  their  facred  fongs. 

The  dance,  gay  queen  of  pleafure,  thee  attends.; 
Thy  jocund  ftrains  her  liftening  feet  infpire  : 

And  each  melodious  tongue  its  voice  fufpends 
Till  thou,  great  leader  of  the  heavenly  quire. 

With  wanton  art  preluding  giv'ft  the  fign — 
Swells,  the  full  concert  then  with  harmony  divine.. 

DECADE     JI. 
Then,  of  their  ftrcaming  lightnings  all  difarm'd,. 

The  fmouldering  thunderbolts  of  Jove  expiree 
Then,  by  the  mufick  of  thy  Numbers  charm 'd. 

The  birds'  fierce  monarch  *  drops  his  vengeful  ire.; 

*  The  eagle. 

O  3.  Perch'd. 


i^S  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Perch'd  on  the  fceptre  of  th'  Olympian  king. 

The  thrilling  darts  of  harmony  he  feels ; 
And  indolently  hangs  his  rapid  wing. 

While  gentle  fleep  his  clofing  eyelid  feals; 

And  o'er  his  heaving  limbs  in  loofe  array 
To  every  balmy  gale  the  ruffling  feathers  play. 

DECADE     III. 

Ev'n  Mars,  ftern  god  of  violence  and  war. 

Soothes  with  thy  lulling  ftrains  his  furious  breaft. 
And,  driving  from  his  heart  each  bloody  care. 

His  pointed  lance  configns  to  peaceful  reft. 
Nor  lefs  enraptur'd  each  immortal  mind 

Owns  the  foft  influence  of  inchanting  fong. 
When,  in  melodious  fymphony  combin'd. 

Thy  fon,  Latona,  and  the  tuneful  throng 
Of  Mufes,  fliill'd  in  wifdom's  deepeft  lore. 
The  fubtle  powers  of  verfe  and  harmony  explore. 

DECADE     IV. 
But  they,  on  earth,  or  the  devouring  main. 

Whom  righteous  Jove  with  deteftation  views. 
With  envious  horror  hear  the  heavenly  ftrain, 

Exil'd  from  praife,  from  virtue,  and  the  Mufc. 
Such  is  TyphcEus,  impious  foe  of  gods, 

Whofe  hundred-headed  form  Cilicia's  cave 
Once  fofter'd  in  her  infamous  abodes ; 

Till  daring  with  prefumptuous  arms  to  brave 
The  might  of  thundering  Jove,  fubdued  he  fell, 
Plung'd  in  the  horrid  dungeons  of  profoundefl  hell. 

DECADE 


PYTHIAN    ODES.     Ode  I.       199 

DECADE     V. 

Now  under  fulphurous  Cuma's  fea-bound  coall. 

And  vaft  Sicilia  lies  his  fliaggy  breafl ; 
By  fnowy  iEtna,  nurfe  of  endlefs  froft. 

The  pillar'd  prop  of  heaven,  for  ever  prefs'd  : 
Forth  from  whofe  nitrous  caverns  ifTuing  rife 

Pure  liquid  fountains  of  tempeftuous  fire. 
And  veil  in  ruddy  mills  the  noon-day  fkies. 

While  wrapt  in  fmoke  the  eddying  flames  afpIrCj 
Or  gleaming  through  the  night  with  hideous  roar 
Far  o'er  the  reddening  main  huge  rocky  fragments  pour^ 

DECADE    VI. 

But  he,  Vulcanian  Monfter,  to  the  clouds 

The  fierceft,  hotteil  inundations  throwi. 
While,  with  the  burthen  of  incumbent  woods 

And  iEtna's  gloomy  cliffs  o'erwhelm'd,  he  glow£<, 
There  on  his  flinty  bed  out-flrecch'd  he  lies, 

Whofe  pointed  rock  his  tofling  carcafc  wounds  ; 
There  with  difmay  he  Ilrikes  beholding  eyes. 

Or  frights  the  dillant  ear  with  horrid  founds. 
O  fave  us  from  thy  wrath,  Sicilian  Jove  ! 
Thou,  that  here  reign'll,  ador'd  in  Etna's  facred  grove  ! 

DECADE    VII. 
^tna,  fair  forehead  of  this  fruitful  land ! 

Whofe  borrow'd  name  adorns  the  royal  town, 
Rais'd  by  illuftrious  Hiero's  generous  hand. 
And  render'd  glorious  with  his  high  renown. 

O4  By 


200  WEST'S      POEMS. 

By  Pythian  heralds  were  her  praifes  fung. 
When  Hiero  triumph'd  in  the  dully  courfe. 

When  fweet  Caftalio  with  applaufes  rung. 

And  glorious  laurels  crown'd  the  conquering  horfe. 

The  happy  city  for  her  future  days 
Prefages  hence  increafe  of  viftory  and  praife. 

DECADE    VIIL 

Thus  when  the  mariners  to  prosperous  winds. 

The  port  forfaking,  fpread  the  fwelling  fails ; 
The  fair  departure  chears  their  jocund  minds 

With  pleaung  hopes  of  favourable  gales. 
While  o'er  the  dangerous  defarts  of  the  main. 

To  their  lov'd  country  they  purfue  their  way. 
Ev'n  {o,  Apollo,  thou,  whom  Lycia's  plain. 

Whom  Delus,  and  Caftalia's  fprings  obey, 
Thefe  hopes  regard,  and  Etna's  glory  raife 
With  valiant  fons,  triumphant  fteeds,  and  heavenly  lays ! 
DECADE     IX. 
For  human  virtue  from  the  gods  proceeds ; 

They  the  wife  mind  beftow'd,  and  fmooth'd  the 
tongue 
With  elocution,  and  for  mighty  deeds 

The  nervous  arm  with  manly  vigour  ftrung. 
All  thefe  are  Hiero's  :  thefe  to  rival  lays 

Call  forth  the  Bard :  arife  then,  Mufe,  and  fpeed 
To  this  contention  ;  flrive  in  Hiero 's  praife. 
Nor  fear  thy  efforts  fnall  his  wortli  exceed  j 
Wltiiin  the  lines  of  truth  fecure  to  throw. 
Thy  dart  ihall  itill  furpafs  each  vain  attempting  foe. 

DECADE 


PYTHIAN    ODES.    Ode   I.  zgi 

DECADE     X. 
So  may  fucceeding  ages,  as  they  roll. 

Great  Hiero  Hill  in  wealth  and  blifs  maintain^ 
And,  joyous  health  recalling,  on  his  foul 
Oblivion  pour  of  life-confuming  pain. 
Yet  may  thy  memory  with  fweet  delight 

The  various  dangers  and  the  toils  recount. 
Which  in  inteftine  wars  and  bloody  fight 

Thy  patient  virtue,  Hiero,  did  furmount ; 
What  time,  by  heaven  above  all  Grecians  crown'd. 
The  prize  of  fovereign  fv/ay  with  thee  thy  *  brother 
found. 

DECADE     XT. 
Then  like  the  fon  of  Psan  didfl  thou  war, 
Smit  with  the  arrows  of  a  fore  difeafe; 
While,  as  along  flow  rolls  thy  fickly  car. 

Love  and  amaze  the  haughtieft  bofoms  feize,- 
In  Lemnos  pining  with  th'  envenom'd  wound 

The  fon  of  Pa;an,  Philodtetes,  lay : 
There,  after  tedious  quell,  the  heroes  found, 
-Ajid  bore  the  limping  archer  thence  away ; 
By  whom  fell  Priam's  towers  (fo  fate  ordain'd) 
And  the  long  harrafs'd  Greeks  their   v\'ifli'd   repofe- 
obtain'd. 

DECADE     XII. 
May  Hiero  too,  like  Psean's  fon,  receive 
Recover'd  vigour  from  celeftial  hands ! 
And  may  the  healing  god  proceed  to  give 

The  power  to  gain  whate'er  his  wilh  demands* 
»  Gelo.. 

JBut 


202  W  E  S  T  '  S    P  O  E  M  S. 

But  now,  O  Mufe,  addrefs  thy  founding  lays 
To  young  Dinomenes,  his  virtuous  heir. 

Sing  to  Dinomenes,  his  father's  praife ; 
His  father's  praife  fhall  glad  his  filial  ear. 

For  him  hereafter  {halt  thou  touch  the  ftring. 
And  chant  in  friendly  {trains  fair  .-Etna's  future  king. 

DECADE     XIII. 
Hiero  for  him  th'  illu{trious  city  rear'd. 

And  fiU'd  with  fons  of  Greece  her  {lately  towers> 
Where,  by  the  free-born  citizen  rever'd. 

The  Spartan  laws  exert  their  virtuous  powers. 
For  by  the  flatutes,  which  their  fathers  gave, 

StiU  muft  the  re{tive  Dorian  youth  be  led; 
Who  dwelling  once  on  cold  Eurotas'  wave. 

Where  proud  Taygetus  exalts  his  head. 
From  the  great  {lock  of  Hercules  divine 
And  warlike  Pamphilus  deriv'd  their  noble  line. 

DECADE     XIV. 
Thefe,  from  ThelTalian  Pindus  ru{hing  down. 
The  walls  of  fam'd  Amycl^  once  po{refs'd. 
And,  rich  in  fortune's  gifts  and  high  renown. 

Dwelt  near  the  twins  of  Leda,  while  they  prefs'd 
Their  milky  courfers,  and  the  paftures  o'er 

Of  neighbouring  Argos  rang'd,  in  arms  fupreme. 
To  king  and  people  on  the  flowery  fhore 

Of  lucid  Amena,  Sicilian  ftream. 
Grant  the  like  fortune,  Jove,  with  like  defert 
Tiic  fplcndor  of  their  race  and  glory  to  afTert. 

DECADE 


PYTHIAN    ODES.    O  d  e  I.    205 

DECADE    XV. 
And  do  thou  aid  Sicilia's  hoary  Lord 

To  form  and  rule  his  fon's  obedient  mind; 
And  ftill  in  golden  chains  of  fweet  accord. 

And  mutual  peace  the  friendly  people  bind. 
Then  grant,  O  Son  of  Saturn,  grant  my  prayer  I 

The  bold  Phoenician  on  his  Ihore  detain ; 
And  may  the  hardy  Tufcan  never  dare 

To  vex  with  clamorous  war  Sicilia's  main ; 
Remembering  Hiero,  how  on  Cuma's  coafl: 
Wreck'd  by  his  Ilormy  arms  their  groaning  fleets  were 
loft. 

DECADE     XVI. 
What  terrors !  what  deftruftion  them  afifail'd  ! 

Hurl'd  from  their  riven  decks  what  numbers  dy'd  ^ 
When  o'er  their  might  Sicilia's  Chief  prevail'd. 

Their  youth  o'erwhelming  in  the  foamy  tide; 
Greece  from  impending  fervitude  to  fave. 

Thy  favour,  glorious  Athens  !  to  acquire. 
Would  I  record  the  Salaminian  wave 

Fam'd  in  thy  triumphs :  and  my  tuneful  lyre 
To  Sparta's  fons  with  fweeteft  praife  (hould  tell. 
Beneath  Citha^ron's  fhade  what  INIcdifh  archers  fell. 

DECADE    XVII. 
But  on  fair  Himera's  wide-water'd  (hores 

Thy  fons,  Dinomenes,  my  lyre  demand. 
To  grace  their  virtues  with  the  various  ftores 
Of  facred  verfe,  and  fmg  th'  illuftrious  band 

Of 


204  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

Of  \-aliant  brothers,  who  from  Carthage  won 
The  glorious  meed  of  conqueft,  deathlefs  praife. 

A  pleafmg  theme  !  but  cenfure's  dreaded  frown 
Compels  me  to  contraft  my  fpreading  lays. 

In  verfe  concifenefs  pleafes  every  gueft. 
While  each  impatient  blames  and  loaths  a  tedious  feail. 

DECADE     XVIir. 

Nor  lefs  diftaftful  is  exceffive  fame 

To  the  four  palate  of  the  envious  mind ; 
Who  hears  with  grief  his  neighbour's  goodly  namc^ 

And  hates  the  fortune  that  he  ne'er  fliall  find. 
Yet  in  thy  virtue,  Hiero,  perfevere  ! 

Since  to  be  envied  is  a  nobler  fate 
Thaa  to  be  pitied:  Let  ftrid  jultice  fleer 

With  equitable  hand  the  helm  of  Itate, 
And  arm  thy  tongue  with,  truth :  O  King,  beware 
Of  every  ilep  !   a  Prince  can  never  lightly  err. 

DECADE     XIX. 
O'er  many  nations  art  thou  fet,  to  deal 

The  goods  of  Fortune  with  impartial  hand  i 
And,  ever  watchful  of  the  public  weal, 

Unnumber'd  witnefTes  around  thee  fland. 
Then,  would  thy  virtuous  ear  for  ever  feafl 

On  the  fv.eet  melody  of  well-earn'd  fame. 
In  generous  purpofes  confirm  thy  brealt. 

Nor  dread  expences  that  will  grace  thy  name ; 
But,  fcorning  fordid  and  unprincely  gain. 
Spread  all  thy  bounteous  fails,  and  launch  Lnto  the  Main. 

DECADE 


P  Y  T  H  I  A  N    O  D  E  S.    O  d  e  I.     205 

DECADE     XX. 

When  in  the  mouldering  urn  the  monarch  lies. 

His  fame  in  lively  charafters  remains. 
Or  grav'd  in  monumental  hillories. 

Or  deck'd  and  painted  in  Aonian  ftrains. 
Thus  frefh,  and  fragrant,  and  immortal,  blooms 

The  virtue,  Crcefus,  of  thy  gentle  mind  : 
While  fate  to  infamy  and  hatred  dooms 

Sicilia's  tyrant,  fcorn  of  human  kind ; 
Whofe  ruthlefs  bofom  fwell'd  with  cruel  pride. 
When  in  his  brazen  bull  the  broiling  wretches  dy'd. 

DECADE     XXI. 
Him  therefore  nor  in  fweet  fociety 

The  generous  youth  converfing  evername; 
Nor  with  the  harp's  delightful  melody 

Mingle  his  odious  inharmonious  fame. 
The  firft,  the  greatefl  blifs  on  man  conferr'd 

Is,  in  the  afts  of  virtue  to  excel ; 
The  fecond,  to  obtain  their  high  reward. 

The  foul-exalting  praife  of  doing  well. 
Who  both  thefe  lots  attains,  is  blefs'd  indeed, 
Since  Fortune  here  below  can  give  no  richer  meed. 


THE 


5-06  \V  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

THE    FIRST   NEMEAN   ODE. 

This  Ode  is  infcribed  to  Chromius  of  -^tna  (a  city 
of  Sicily)  who  gained  the  vidloryin  the  Chariot- 
Race,  in  the  Nemean  Games. 


FROM  the  praifes  of  Ortygia  (an  ifland  near  Sicily,  ] 
and  part  of  the  city  of  Syracufe,  to  which  it  was 
joined  by  a  bridge)  Pindar  paffes  to  the  fubjeft  or 
occafion  of  this  Ode,  viz.  the  Vidlory  obtained  by 
Chromius  in  the  Nemean  Games;  which,  as  it  was 
the  firft  of  that  kind  gained  by  him,  the  Poet  ftyles 
the  bafis  of  his  future  fame,  laid  by  the  co-operation 
of  the  Gods,  who  affilted  and  feconded  his  divine 
virtues;  and,  adds  he,  if  Fortune  continues  to  be 
favourable,  he  may  arrive  at  the  higheft  fummit  of 
glory :  by  which  is  meant  chiefly,  though  not  folely, 
the  gaining  more  prizes  in  the  Creator  Sacred  Games 
(particularly  the  Olympick),  where  the  Mufes  con- 
ftantly  attend  to  celebrate  and  record  the  Conquerors. 
From  thence,  after  a  fhort  digreffion  to  the  general 
praife  of  Sicily,  he  comes  to  an  enumeration  of  the 
particular  virtues  of  Chromius,  viz.  his  hofpitality, 
liberality,  prudence  in  council,  and  courage  in  war. 
Then,  returning  to  the  Nemean  Vidory,  he  takes  oc- 
cafion from  fo  aufpicious  a  beginning,  to  promife 
Chromius  a  large  increafe  of  glory,  in  like  manner 

as 


N  E  M  E  A  N    ODES.    Ode    I.         207 

as  Tirefias,  the  famous  Poet  and  Prophet  of  Thebes 
(the  country  of  Pindar)  upon  viewing  the  firft  exploit 
of  Hercules,  which  was  killing  in  his  cradle  the 
two  ferpents  fent  by  Juno  to  devour  him,  foretold 
the  fubfequent  atchievements  of  that  hero ;  and  the 
great  reward  he  ftiould  receive  for  all  his  labours, 
by  being  admitted  into  the  number  of  the  Gods,  and 
married  to  Hebe;  with  which  llory  he  concludes 
the  Ode, 

STROPHE     I. 

SI  S  T  E  R  of  Delos !  pure  abode 
Of  Virgin  Cynthia,  Goddefs  of  the  Chace  ! 
In  whofe  recefles  reils  th'  emerging  flood 
Of  Alpheus,  breathing  from  his  amorous  race  ! 
Divine  Ortygia  !   to  thy  name 
The  Mufe  preluding  tunes  her  ftrings, 

Pleas'd  with  the  fweet  preamble  of  thy  fame, 

,    To  uflier  in  the  verfe,  that  fmgs 

Thy  triumphs,  Chromius ;  while  Sicilian  Jove 
Hears  with  delight  through  Etna's  founding  grove 
The  gratulations  of  the  hymning  choir. 

Whom  thy  vidlorious  carr  and  Nemea's  palms  infpire, 

ANTISTROPHE    I. 
The  bafis  of  his  future  praife 
Aflifted  by  the  Gods  hath  Chromius  laid  ; 
And  to  its  height  the  towering  pile  may  raife. 
If  Fortune  lends  her  favourable  aid ; 

Affur'd 


rog  W  £  S  T  ♦  S     P  O  E  M  S, 

Aflur'd  that  all  th'  Aonian  train 
Their  wonted  friendfhip  will  afford. 
Who  with  delight  frequent  the  lifted  plain. 

The  toils  of  Virtue  to  record. 
Mean  time  around  this  ifle,  harmonious  Mufe  ! 
The  brighteft  beams  of  Ihining  verfe  diftufe: 
This  fruitful  ifland,  with  whofe  flowery  pride 
Heaven's  awful  King  endow'd  great  Pluto's  beauteous 
bride. 

E  P  O  D  E     I. 

Sicilia  with  tranfcendent  plenty  crown'd 

Jove  to  Proferpina  confign'd  ; 
Then  with  a  nod  his  folemn  promife  bound. 
Still  farther  to  enrich  her  fertile  fhores 

With  peopled  cities,  ftately  towers. 

And  fons  in  arts  and  arms  refin'd; 

Skill'd  to  the  dreadful  works  of  war 
The  thundering  fteed  to  train; 
Or  mounted  on  the  whirling  carr 
'Olympia's  all-priz'd  olive  to  obtain.— 
Abundant  is  my  theme ;  nor  need  I  wrong 
-    The  fair  occafion  with  a  flattering  fong. 

STROPHE     II. 
To  Chromius  no  unwelcome  gueft 
I  come,  high  founding  my  Dircaean  chord ; 
Who"  for  his  Poet  hath  prepar'd  the  feaft, 
And  fpread  with  luxury  his  friendly  board, 

Por 


NEMEAN    ODES.     Ode  I.       209 

For  never  from  his  generous  gate 
Unen terrain 'd  the  ftranger  flies. 
While  Envy's  fcorching  flame,  that  blafts  the  great. 

Quench 'd  with  his  flowing  bounty,  dies. 
But  Envy  ill  becomes  the  human  mind ; 
Since  various  parts  to  various  men  affign'd 
All  to  perfedlion  and  to  praife  will  lead. 
Would  each  thofe  paths  purfue,  which  Nature  bids  Hm 
tread. 

A  N  T  I  S  T  R  O  P  H  E    II. 

In  aftion  thus  heroick  might. 
In  council  fliines  the  mind  fagacious,  wife. 
Which  to  the  future  cads  her  piercing  fight. 
And  fees  the  train  of  confequences  rife. 

With  either  talent  Chromius  blell 

Supprefles  not  his  aclive  povyers. 
I  hate  the  mifer,  whofe  unfocial  breaft 

Locks  from  the  world  his  ufelefs  llores. 
Wealth  by  the  bounteous  only  is  enjoy'd, 
Whofe  treafures  in  diffufive  good  employ'd 
The  rich  returns  of  fame  and  friends  procure  ; 
And  'gainll  a  fad  reverfe,  a  fafe  retreat  infure. 

E  P  O  D  E     II. 

Thy  early  virtues,  Chromius,  deck'd  with  praife. 
And  thefe  firft-fruits  of  Fame  infpire 

The  Mufe  to  promife  for  thy  future  days 

A  large  increafe  of  merit  and  renown. 
So  when  of  old  Jove's  mighty  fon. 

Worthy  his  great  immortal  fire. 

Vol.  LVir.  P  Forth 


210  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Forth  from  Alcmena's  teeming  bed 
With  his  twin-brother  came. 

Safe  through  life's  painful  entrance  led 
To  view  the  dazzling  Sun's  reviving  flame, 
Th'  imperial  cradle  Juno  quick  furvey'd. 
Where  flept  the  twins  in  faliron  bands  array'd. 

STROPHE     III. 

Then,  glowing  with  immortal  rage. 
The  gold-enthroned  Emprefs  of  the  Gods 
Her  eager  thirft  of  vengeance  to  afluage. 
Strait  to  her  hated  rival's  curs'd  abodes 

Bade  her  vindictive  ferpents  hafte. 

They  through  the  opening  valves  with  fpeed 
On  to  the  chamber's  deep  recefl'es  paft. 

To  perpetrate  their  murderous  deed : 
And  now  in  knotty  mazes  to  infold 
Their  deftin'd  prey,  on  curling  fpires  they  roU'd, 
His  dauntlefs  brow  when  young  Alcides  rear'd. 
And  for  their  firft  attempt  his  infant  arms  prepar'd. 

ANTISTROPHE    III. 

Faft  by  the  azure  necks  he  held 
And  grip'd  in  either  hand  his  fcaly  foes ; 
Till  from  their  horrid  carcafTes  expell'd. 
At  length  the  poifonous  foul  unwilling  flows. 

Mean  time  intolerable  dread 

Congeal'd  each  female's  curdling  blood. 
All  who,  attendant  on  the  genial  bed. 

Around  the  languid  mother  Hood. 


She 


NEMEAN    ODES.    Ode  I.      2U 

She  with  diftrafting  fear  and  anguifh  ftung. 
Forth  from  her  fickly  couch  impatient  fprung  ; 
Her  cumberous  robe  regardlefs  off  fhe  threw. 
And  to  proteft  her  child  with  fondeft  ardour  flew. 
E  P  O  D  E    III. 
But,  with  her  fhrill,  diftrefsful  cries  alarm'd. 

In  rufh'd  each  bold  Cadmean  Lord, 
In  brafs  refulgent,  as  to  battle  arm'd ; 
With  them  Amphitryon,  whofe  tumultuous  breaft 

A  croud  of  various  cares  infeft  : 

High  brandifhing  his  gleaming  fword 

With  eager,  anxious  ftep  he  came ; 
A  wound  fo  near  his  heart 

Shook  with  difmay  his  inmoft  frame. 

And  rouz'd  the  aftive  fpirits  in  every  part. 

To  our  own  forrows  ferious  heed  we  give  ; 

But  for  another's  woe  foon  ceafe  to  grieve. 

STROPHE     IV. 

Amaz'd  the  trembling  father  flood. 
While  doubtful  pleafure,  mix'd  with  wild  furpri^e, 
Drove  from  his  troubled  heart  the  vital  flood  : 
His  fon's  ftupendous  deed  with  wondering  eyes 

He  view'd,  and  how  the  gracious  will 

Of  Heaven  to  joy  had  chang'd  his  fear 
And  falfify'd  the  meflengers  of  ill. 

Then  ftrait  he  calls  th'  unerring  feer. 
Divine  Tireflas,  whofe  prophetick  tongue 
Jove's  facred  mandates  from  the  Tripod  fung ; 
Who  then  to  all  th'  attentive  throng  explain'd 
What  fate  th'  immortal  Gods  for  Hercules  ordain'd. 
?z  ANTI- 


212  WEST'S      POEMS. 

ANTISTROPHE     IV. 

What  fell  defpoilers  of  the  land 
The  Prophet  told,  what  monllers  of  the  Main 
Should  feel  the  vengeance  of  his  righteous  hand: 
What  favage,  proud,  pernicious  tyrant  flain 
To  Hercules  fhould  bow  his  head, 
Hurl'd  from  his  arbitrary  throne, 
Whofc  glittering  pomp  his  curs'd  ambition  fed. 

And  made  indignant  nations  groan. 
Laft,  when  the  giant  fons  of  earth  fhall  dare 
To  wage  againft  the  gods  rebellious  war, 
Pierc'd  by  his  rapid  Ihafts  on  Phlegra's  plain 
With  duft  their  radiant  locks  the  haughty  foe  fhall 
ftain. 

E  P  O  D  E     IV. 

Then  fhall  his  generous  toils  for  ever  ceafe. 

With  fame,  with  endlefs  life  repaid ; 
With  pure  tranquillity  and  heavenly  peace : 
Then  led  in  triumph  to  his  ftarry  dome. 
To  grace  his  fpoufal  bed  fhall  come. 
In  Beauty's  glowing  bloom  array'd. 
Immortal  Hebe,  ever  young. 

In  Jove's  auguft  abodes 
Then  fhall  he  hear  the  bridal  fong  ; 
Then,  in  the  blefl  fociety  of  Gods, 
The  nuptial  banquet  fhare,  and,  rapt  in  praife 
And  wonder,  round  the  glittering  manfion  gaze. 

THE 


NEMEAN     ODES.     Ode  XL      213 


THE    ELEVENTH    NEMEAN    ODE. 

This  Ode  is  infcribed  to  Ariftagoras,  upon  occafion  of 
his  entering  on  his  office  of  Prefident  or  Go\'ernor 

.  of  the  ifland  of  Tenedos ;  fo  that,  although  it  is 
placed  among  the  Nemean  Odes,  it  has  no  fort  of 
relation  to  thofe  games,  and  is  indeed  properly  an 
Inauguration-Ode,  compofed  to  be  fung  by  a  Chorus 
at  the  Sacrifices  and  the  Feaii  made  by  Ariftagoras 
and  his  coUegues,  in  the  Town-hall,  at  the  time  of 
their  being  invelled  with  the  Magiitracy,  as  is  evi- 
dent from  many  exprefiionr,  in  the  firit  Strophe  and 
Antiftrophe. 


Pindar  opens  this  Ode  with  an  invocation  to  Vella  (the 
Goddefs  who  prefidcd  over  the  Courts  of  Juftice,  and 
whofe  ftatue  and  altar  were  for  that  reafon  placed  in 
the  Town-halls,  or  Prytanaeums,  as  the  Greeks 
called  them) ;  befeeching  her  to  receive  favourably 
Ariftagoras  and  his  coUegues,  who  were  then  coming 
to  ofi^er  facrifices  to  her,  upon  their  entering  on  their 
office  of  Prytans  or  Magiftrates  of  Tenedos  ;  which 
office  continuing  for  a  year,  he  begs  the  Goddefs  to 
take  Ariftagoras  under  her  protedion  during  tliat 
time,  and  to  conduft  him  to  the  end  of  it 
without  trouble  or  difgrace.  From  Ariftagoras  I'in- 
dar  turns  himfelf,  in  the  next  place,  to  his  father 
Arcefilas,  whom  he  pronounces  happy,  as  well  upon 
P  3  account 


214         WEST'S     POEMS. 

.iccount  of  his  fon's  merit  and  honour,  as  upon  his 
ov/n  great  endowments,  and  good  fortune  ;  fuch  as 
beauty,  ftrength,  courage,  riches,  and  glory  refult- 
ing  from  his  many  vidories  in  the  games.  But,  left 
he  fliould  be  too  much  pufted-up  with  thefe  praifes, 
he  reminds  him  at  the  fame  time  of  his  mortality, 
and  tells  him  that  his  cloathing  of  flefh  is  periftiable, 
and  that  he  muft  ere  long  be  cloathed  with  earth,  the 
end  of  all  things ;  and  yet,  continues  he,  it  is  but 
jullice  to  praife  and  celebrate  the  worthy  and  dcferv- 
ing,  who  from  good  citizens  ought  to  receive  all 
kinds  of  honour  and  commendation;  as  Ariftagoras, 
for  inftance,  who  hath  rendered  both  himfelf  and 
his  country  illullrious  by  the  many  vidories  he  hath 
obtained,  to  the  number  of  fixteen,  over  the  neigh- 
bouring youth,  in  the  games  exhibited  in  and  about 
his  own  country.  From  whence,  fays  the  Poet,  I 
conclude  he  v/culd  have  come  off  viftorious  even  in 
the  Pythian  and  Olympick  games,  had  he  not  been 
reftrained  from  engaging  in  thofe  famous  lifts  by  the 
too  timid  and  cautious  love  of  his  parents ;  upon 
which  he  falls  into  a  moral  refledlion  upon  the  va- 
nity of  men's  hopes  and  fears,  by  the  former  of 
which  they  are  oftentimes  excited  to  attempts  beyond 
their  ftrength,  which  accordingly  iflue  in  their  dif- 
grace ;  as,  on  the  other  hand,  they  are  frequently 
reftrained  by  unreafonable  and  ill-grounded  fears, 
from  enterprizes,  in  which  they  would,  in  all  pro- 
bability, have  come  off  with  honour.  This  reflec- 
tion he  applies  to  Ariftagoras,  by  faying  it  was  very 

eafy 


NEMEAN    ODES.    Ode  XL      215 

€afy  to  forefee  what  fuccefs  he  was  like  to  meet  with, 
who  both  by  father  and  mother  was  defcended  from 
a  long  train  of  great  and  valiant  men.  But  here 
again,  with  a  very  artful  turn  of  flattery  to  his  father 
Arcefilas,  whom  he  had  before  reprefented  as  ftrong 
and  valiant,  and  famous  for  his  viclories  in  the 
games,  he  obferves,  that  every  generation,  even  of  a 
great  and  glorious  family,  is  not  equally  illuftrious, 
any  more  than  the  fields  and  trees  are  every  year 
equally  fruitful;  that  the  gods  had  not  given  mortals 
any  certain  tokens,  by  which  they  might  foreknow 
when  the  rich  years  of  virtue  fhould  fucceed ;  whence 
it  comes  to  pafs  that  men,  out  of  felf-conceit  and 
prefumption,  are  perpetually  laying  fchemes,  and 
forming  enterprizes,  without  previoufly  confulting 
Prudence  or  Wifdom,  whofe  Ureams,  fays  he,  lye 
remote,  and  out  of  the  common  road.  From  all 
which  he  infers,  that  it  is  better  to  moderate  oar 
defires,  and  fet  bounds  to  our  avarice  and  ambition  ; 
with  which  moral  precept  he  concludes  the  Ode. 

STROPHE    I. 
T^AUGHTERof  Rhea!  thou,  whofe  holy  fire 
"^  Before  the  awful  feat  of  Jullice  flames  ! 

Sifter  of  Heaven's  Almighty  Sire  ! 
Sifter  of  Juno,  who  co-equal  claims 
With  Jove  to  fliare  the  empire  of  the  gods  ! 
O  Virgin  Vefta  !  To  thy  dread  abodes, 
Lo  !   Ariftagoras  direfts  his  pace  ! 
Receive,  and  near  thy  facred  fcepter  place 

P  4  ■  Him, 


2i6  V/  E  S  T  '  S      POEMS. 

Him,  and  his  collegues,  who  with  honeft  zeal 
O'er  Tenedos  prefide,  and  guard  the  publick  weal. 

ANT  I  STROPHE     I. 

And  lo  !  with  frequent  offerings  they  adore 
Thee,  firft  invok'd  in  every  folemn  prayer  ! 
To  thee  unmix'd  libations  pour. 
And  fill  with  odorous  fumes  the  fragrant  air. 
Around  in  feftive  fongs  the  hymning  choir 
Mix  the  melodious  voice  and  founding  lyre. 
While  ftiU,  prolong 'd  with  hofpitable  love. 
Are  folemniz'd  the  rites  of  Genial  jove  : 
Then  guard  him,  Vefta,  through  his  long  career. 
And  let  him  clofe  in  joy  his  minifterial  year. 

E  P  O  D  E     I. 

But  hail,  Arcefdas  !  all  hall 
To  thee  !  blefs'd  father  of  a  fon  fo  great  I 

Thou,  whom  on  Fortune's  higheft  fcale 
The  favourable  hand  of  Heaven  hath  fet. 
Thy  manly  form  v/ith  beauty  hath  refin'd. 
And  match'd  tliat  beauty  with  a  valiant  mind. 

Yet  let  not  man  too  much  prefume. 

Though  grac'd  with  Beauty's  faireft  bloom  ; 

Though  for  fuperior  Ilrength  renown'd  ; 

Though  with  triumphal  chaplets  crown'd  : 
Let  him  remember,  that  in  flefli  array'd 
Soon  (hall  he  fee  that  mortal  vefiment  fade  ; 
Till  lafl:  imprifon'd  in  the  mouldering  urn 
To  earth,  the  end  of  all  things,  he  return. 

STRO" 


NEMEAN    ODES.    Ode  XI.        217 

STROPHE     II. 

Yet  fhould  the  worthy  from  the  publick  tongue 
Receive  their  recompence  of  virtuous  praife ; 

By  every  zealous  patriot  fung. 
And  deck'd  with  every  flower  of  heavenly  lays. 
Such  retribution  in  return  for  fame. 
Such,  Ariftagoras,  thy  virtues  claim  ; 
Claim  from  thy  country,  on  whofe  glorious  brows 
The  wrefller's  chaplet  ftill  unfaded  blows ; 
Mix'd  with  the  great  Pancratiaftick.  crown. 
Which  from  the  neighbouring  youth  thy  early  valour 


ANTISTROPHE    II. 

And  (but  his  timid  parents'  cautious  love, 
Diftrufting  ever  his  too  forward  hand. 

Forbade  their  tender  fon  to  prove 
The  toils  of  Pythia'  or  Olympia's  fand) 
Now  by  the  gods  I  fwear,  his  valorous  might 
Had  'fcap'd  vidlorious  in  each  bloody  fight : 
And  from  Caftalia,  or  where  dark  with  fhade 
The  Mount  of  Saturn  rears  its  olive-head. 
Great  and  illultrious  home  had  he  return'd; 
While  by  his  fame  eclips'd  his  vanquifli'd  foes  had 
mourn'd. 

E  P  O  D  E     II. 

Then  his  triumphal  trefTes  bound 
With  the  dark  verdure  of  th'  Olympick  grove. 

With  joyous  banquets  had  he  crown 'd 
The  great  Quinquennial  FelUval  of  Jovej 

And 


2i8  WES  T'S    POEMS. 

And  chear'd  the  folemn  pomp  with  choral  lays. 
Sweet  tribute,  which  the  Mufe  to  Virtue  pays. 

But,  fuch  is  man's  prepoflerous  fate  ! 

Now  with  o'er-weening  pride  elate 

Too  far  he  aims  his  fhaft  to  throw. 

And  ftraining  burfts  his  feeble  bow. 
Now  pufiUanimous,  deprefs'd  with  fear. 
He  checks  his  virtue  in  the  mid-career ; 
And  of  his  ftrength  diilrullful  coward  files 
The  conteft,  though  impower'd  to  gain  the  prize. 

STROPHE     IIL 
But  who  could  err  in  prophecying  good 
Of  him,  whofe  undegenerating  breaft 
Swells  with  a  tide  of  Spartan  blood. 
From  fire  to  fire  in  long  fucceffion  trac'd 
Up  to  Pifander ;  who  in  days  of  yore 
From  old  Amyclae  to  the  Lefbian  Ihore 
And  Tenedos,  coUegued  in  high  command 
With  great  Oreftes,  led  th'  ^olian  band  ? 
Nor  was  his  mother's  race  lefs  ftrong  and  brave. 
Sprung  from  a  ftock  that  grew  on  fair  Ifmenus'  wave. 

ANTISTROPHE    III. 

Though  for  long  intervals  obfcur'd,  again 
Oft-times  the  feeds  of  lineal  worth  appear. 

For  neither  can  the  furrow'd  plain 
Full  harvefts  yield  with  each  returning  year : 
Nor  in  each  period  will  the  pregnant  bloom 
Inveft  the  fmiling  tree  with  rich  perfume, 

Sc, 


N  E  M  E  A  N    ODES.    O  d  e  XI. 

So,  barren  often  and  inglorious  pafs 
The  generations  of  a  noble  race ; 
While  Nature's  vigour,  working  at  the  root. 
In  after-ages  fwells,  and  bloffoms  into  fruit. 

E  P  O  D  E    III. 

Nor  hath  Jove  given  us  to  foreknow 
When  the  rich  years  of  virtue  fhall  fucceed; 

Yet  bold  and  daring  on  we  go. 
Contriving  fchemes  of  many  a  mighty  deed. 
While  Hope,  fond  inmate  of  the  human  mindj 
And  felf-opinion,  adive,  rafh,  and  blind. 

Hold  up  a  falfe  illufive  ray. 

That  leads  our  dazzled  feet  ailray 
Far  from  the  fprings,  where  calm  and  flow 

The  fecret  ftreams  of  wifdom  flov/. 
Hence  fhould  we  learn  our  ardour  to  reftrain ; 
And  limit  to  due  bounds  the  thirlt  of  gain. 
To  rage  and  madnefs  oft  that  paflion  turns. 
Which  with  forbidden  flames  defpairing  burns> 


219 


THE 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


THE    SECOND    ISTHMIAN    ODE. 

This  Ode  was  written  upon  occafion  of  a  vidory  ob- 
tained in  the  Chariot-Race  by  Xenocrates  of  Agri- 
gentum  in  the  lilhmian  games ;  it  is  however  ad- 
drefled  not  to  Xenocrates  himfelf,  but  to  his  fon 
Thrafybulus ;  from  whence,  and  from  Pindar's 
always  fpeaking  of  Xenocrates  in  the  perfect  tenfe, 
it  is  moft  probable  it  was  written  after  the  death  of 
Xenocrates ;  and  for  this  reafon  it  has  by  fome  been 
reckoned  among  the  ^(r,voi  or  Elegies  of  Pindar. 


T  H  E  introduction  contains  a  fort  of  an  apology  for  a 
Poet's  taking  money  for  his  compofitions ;  a  thing, 
fays  Pindar,  not  praftifed  formerly  by  the  fervants 
of  the  Mufes,  who  drew  their  infpiration  from  love 
alone,  and  wrote  only  from  the  heart :  but  as  the 
world  is  grown  interefted,  fo  are  the  Poets  become 
mercenary;  obferving  the  truth  of  that  famous 
faying  of  Ariftodemus  the  Spartan,  "  Money  makes 
"  the  man:"  a  truth,  he  fays,  which  he  himfelf 
experienced,  having  with  his  riches  loft  all  his 
friends ;  and  of  this  truth,  continues  Pindar,  you, 
Thrafybulus,  are  not  ignorant,  for  you  are  a  wife 
man:  I  ihall  therefore  fay  no  more  about  it,  but 

proceed 


ISTHMIAN    ODES.    O  d  e  II.       221 

proceed  to  celebrate  the  viftories  of  Xenocrates: 
after  an  enumeration  of  which,  he  pafies  on  to 
the  mention  of  the  virtues  of  Xenocrates,  whom  he 
praifes  for  his  benevolence,  his  public  fpirit,  his  de- 
votion to  the  gods,  and  his  conftant  uninterrupted 
courfe  of  hofpitality  in  all  changes  of  fortune.  Thefe 
virtues  of  his  father  he  encourages  Thrafybulus  not 
to  conceal  through  the  fear  of  exciting  the  envy  of 
mankind,  and  bids  Nicafippus  (by  v/hom  this  Ode 
was  fent  to  Thrafybulus)  to  tell  him  to  publifh  it ; 
concluding  with  obferving,  that  a  Poem  is  not  made 
to  continue  always,  like  a  mute  and  motionlefs 
ftatue,  in  one  place. 

STROPHE     I. 

^T'HE  Y,  Thrafybulus,  who  in  ancient  days 
•^     Triumphant  mounted  in  the  Mufes'  car. 
Tuning  their  harps  to  foft  and  tender  lays, 

Aim'd  their  fweet  numbers  at  the  young  and  fair; 
Whofe  beauties,  ripe  for  love,  with  rapturous  fires 
Their  wanton  hearts  inflam'd,  and  waken'd  ftrong  defires. 

ANTISTROPHE     I. 

As  yet  the  Mufe,  defpifmg  fordid  gain. 

Strung  not  for  gold  her  mercenary  lyre  : 
Nor  did  Terpfichore  adorn  her  ftrain 
In  gilded  courtefy  and  gay  attire. 
With  fair  appearances  to  move  the  heart. 
And  recommend  to  fale  her  proftituted  art. 

E  P  O  D  E 


222  W  E  S  T  '  S    P  O  E  M  S. 

K  P  O  D  E     1. 

But  now  (he  fufFers  all  her  tuneful  train 

Far  other  principles  to  hold  ; 
And  with  the  Spartan  Sage  maintain. 

That  Man  is  worthlefs  without  Gold. 
This  truth  himfelf  by  fad  experience  prov'd, 
Deferted  in  his  need  by  thofe  he  lov'd. 
Nor  to  thy  wifdom  is  this  truth  unknown. 
No  longer  therefore  fhall  the  Mufe  delay  I    ?"= 

To  fing  the  rapid  fteeds,  and  Ifthmian  crown,         |   0^ 
Which  the  great  monarch  of  the  briny  flood 
On  lov'd  Xenocrates  beftow'd 
His  generous  cares  with  honour  to  repay. 

STROPHE     n. 

Him  too,  his  Agrigentum's  brighteft  ftar, 

Latona's  fon  with  favourable  eyes 
At  Crifa  view'd,  and  blefs'dhis  conquering  car; 

Nor,  when,  contending  for  the  noble  prize, 
Nicomachus,  on  Athens'  craggy  plain. 
With  dextrous  art  control'd  the  chariot-fteermg  rein. 

ANTISTROPHE     II. 
Did  Phoebus  blame  the  driver's  fltilful  hand ; 

But  with  Athenian  palms  his  mailer  grac'd :         |f 
His  mailer,  greeted  in  th'  Olympick  fand  ; 

And  evermore  with  grateful  zeal  embrac'd 
By  the  great  priefts,  whofe  herald  voice  proclaims 
Th'  Elean  feafts  of  Jove,  and  Pifa's  facred  games. 

EPODE 


J 


ISTHMIAN    ODES.    Ode  11.     223 

E  P  O  D  E     II. 

Him,  on  the  golden  lap  of  viftory 

Reclining  his  illuftrious  head. 

They  hail'd  with  fweetell  melody ; 

And  through  the  land  his  glory  fpread. 

Through  the  fam'd  Altis  of  Olympick  Jove ; 
Where  in  the  honours  of  the  facred  grove 
The  children  of  ^nefidamus  ihar'd  ; 
For  not  unknown  to  vidory  and  praife 
Oft,  Thrafybulus,  hath  thy  manfion  heard 
The  pleafing  concerts  of  the  youthful  choir, 

Attemper'd  to  the  warbling  lyre. 
And  the  fweet  mixture  of  triumphal  lays. 

STROPHE     III. 
In  fmooth  and  flowery  paths  th'  encomiafl:  treads. 

When  to  the  manfions  of  the  good  and  great 
In  pomp  the  nymphs  of  Helicon  he  leads : 

Yet  thee,  Xenocrates,  to  celebrate. 
Thy  all-furpaffing  gentlenefs  to  Ung 
In  equal  Itrains,  requires  an  all-furpafling  firing. 

ANTISTROPHE    III. 
To  all  benevolent,  revered,  belov'd. 

In  every  focial  virtue  he  excell'd ; 
And  with  his  conquering  fleeds  at  Corinth  prov'd. 

How  facred  the  decrees  of  Greece  he  held ; 
With  equal  zeal  th'  immortals  he  ador'd. 
And  fpread  with  frequent  feafts  his  confecrated  board. 

E  P  0  D  R 


224  W  E  S  T  '  S    P  O  E  M  S. 

E  P  O  D  E     III. 

Nor  did  he  e'er  when  rofe  a  ftormy  gale 

Relax  his  hofpitable  courfe. 

Or  gather  in  his  fwelling  fail : 

But,  finding  ever  fome  refource 
The  fierce  extremes  of  fortune  to  allay. 
Held  on  with  equal  pace  his  conftant  way. 
Permit  not  then,  through  dread  of  envious  tonguef 
Thy  father's  worth  to  be  in  filence  lolt ; 
Nor  from  the  public  keep  thefe  choral  fongs. 
Not  in  one  corner  is  the  Poet's  ftrain 

Form'd,  like  a  flatue,  to  remain. 
This,  Nicafippus,  tell  my  honour'd  hofl. 


a 


AND 


11 
TRANS-    A« 

& 

li 


'*l^ 


i  "5  ] 

TRANSLATIONS 

FROM     THE 

klRGONAUTICKS 

O   F 

APOLLONIUS     RHODIUS. 

THE     SONG    OF     ORPHEUS, 

llND  THE   SETTING  OUT   OF  THE  ARGO. 

TP  HEN  too  the  jarring  heroes  to  compofe 
•*'     Th'  inchanting  Bard,  Oeagrian  Orpheus  role, 
\nd  thus,  attuning  to  the  trembling  firings  : 
^s  foothing  voice,  of  harmony  he  fings. 

In  the  beginning  how  heaven,  earth,  and  fea, 
n  one  tumultuous  chaos  blended  lay  ; 
aU  nature  parted  the  conflifting  foes, 
Ind  beauteous  order  from  diforder  rofe  : 
low  roU'd  inceffant  o'er  th'  ethereal  plain 
/love  in  eternal  dance  the  ftarry  train  ; 
low  the  pale  orb  of  night,  and  golden  fun, 
hrough  months  and  years  their  radiant  journeys  run  ; 
Vhence  rofe  the  mountains  clad  with  waving  woods. 
The  rufliing  rivers,  and  refounding  floods, 

Yni,.  T,VIT.  CL  With 


226  W  E  S  T'S    P  O  E  M  S. 

With  all  their  nymphs ;  from  what  celeftial  feed 
The  various  tribes  of  animals  proceed. 
Next  how  Ophion  held  his  ancient  reign. 
With  his  fam'd  confer t,  daughter  of  the  main: 
On  high  Olympus'  fnowy  head  enthron'd. 
The  new-created  world  their  empire  own'd: 
Till  force  fuperior,  and  fuccefslefs  war. 
Diverted  of  their  crowns  the  regal  pair; 
On  Saturn's  head  Ophion's  honours  plac'd. 
And  with  his  confort's  glories  Rhea  grac'd. 
Thence  to  old  Ocean's  watery  kingdom.s  hurl'd 
Thus  they  refign'd  the  fceptre  of  the  world: 
And  Saturn  rul'd  the  blefs'd  Titanian  gods. 
While  infant  Jove  polTefs'd  the  dark  abodes 
Of  Difte's  cave;  his  mind  yet  uninform'd 
With  heavenly  wifdom,  and  his  hand  unarm'd: 
Forg'd  by  the  Cyclops,  earth's  gigantic  race, 
Flam'd  not  as  yet  the  lightning's  fcorching  blaze. 
Nor  roar'd  the  thunder  through  the  realms  above. 
The  ftrength  and  glory  of  almighty  Jove. 

This  faid,  the  tuneful  Bard  his  lyre  unftrung. 
And  ceas'd  th'  inchanting  mufic  of  his  tongue. 
But,  with  the  found  entranc'd,  th'  attentive  ear 
Thought  him  ftill  fmging,  ftill  ftood  fix'd  to  hear. 
In  filent  rapture  every  chief  remains. 
And  feels  within  his  heart  the  thrilling  ftrains. 
Forthwith  the  bowl  they  crown  with  rofy  wine. 
And  pay  due  honours  to  the  power  divine. 
The  pure  libations  on  the  fire  they  pour. 
While  rifmg  flames  the  myftick  tongues  devour. 

Now 


TRANSLATIONS. 


217 


Now  fable  night  afcends  her  ftarry  throne. 
And  Argo's  chiefs  her  drowfy  influence  own. 
But  when  the  bright-ey'd  morning  rear'd  her  head. 

And  look'd  o'er  Pelion's  fummits  ting'd  with  red; 

Light  ikimm'd  the  breezes  o'er  the  watery  plain. 

And  gently  fwell'd  the  fluduating  main. 

Then  Tiphys  rofe,  and,  fummon'd  by  his  care, 

Embark'd  the  heroes,  and  their  oars  prepare. 

Portentous  now  along  the  winding  fliores 

Hoarfe -founding  Pagafaean  Neptune  roars. 

Impatient  Argo  the  glad  fignal  took. 

While  from  her  vocal  keel  loud  murmurs  broke; 

lier  keel  of  facred  oak  divinely  wrought 

Itonian  Pallas  from  Didona  brought. 

On  their  allotted  polls  now  rang'd  along 

In  feemly  order  fate  the  princely  throng : 

Fail  by  each  chief  his  glittering  armour  flames; 

The  midmofl:  ftation  bold  Ancaeus  claims. 

With  great  Alcides,  whofe  enormous  might 
Arm'd  with  a  mafly  club  provokes  the  fight. 
Now  plac'd  befide  him:  in  the  yielding  flood 
The  keel  deep-fmking  feels  the  demi-god. 

Their  haufers  now  they  loofe,  and  on  the  brine 
To  Neptune  pour  the  confecrated  wine. 
Then  from  his  native  fliores  fad  Jafon  turns 
His  oft-reverted  eye,  and  fllent  mourns. 
As  in  Ortygia,  or  the  Delphick  Fane, 
Or  where  Ifmenus  laves  Boeotia's  plain, 
Apollo's  Altars  round,  the  youthful  choir. 
The  dancs  according  with  the  founding  lyre, 

0^2  The 


228  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

The  hallovv'd  ground  with  equal  cadence  beat. 

And  mov'e  in  meafure  their  harmonious  ftet: 

Together  fo  Theffalia's  princes  fweep 

With  well-tim'd  oars  the  fdver-curliiig  deep. 

While,  raifmg  high  the  Thracian  harp,  prefides 

Melodious  Orpheus  and  the  movement  guides. 

On  either  fide  the  dafhing  furges  broke. 

And  fierce  remurmur'd  to  each  mighty  ftroke; 

Thick  flafh'd  the  brazen  arms  with  ftreaming  light. 

While  the  fwift  bark  purfues  her  rapid  flight. 

And  ever  as  the  fea-green  tide  (he  cleaves. 

Foams    the  long   tra*^  behind,  and.   whitens    all  the 

waves : 
So  fhines  the  path,  acrofs  fome  verdant  plain 
Trac'd  by  the  footfteps  of  the  village  fwain. 
Jove  on  that  day  from  his  celeftial  throne. 
And  all  th'  immortal  powers  of  heaven  look'd  down, 
The  godlike  chiefs  and  Argo  to  furvey 
As  through  the  deep  they  urg'd  their  daring  way. 
Then  too  on  Pelion's  cloud-top'd  fummit  Hood 
The  nymphs  and  fauns  and  filters  of  the  wood, 
With  wonder  viewing  the  tall  pine  below. 
That  fhaded  once  the  mountain's  fliaggy  brow. 
Now  fram'd  by  Pallas  o'er  the  founding  fea 
TheflTalia's  mighty  heroes  to  convey. 
But,  lo  !   from  Pelion's  higheft  clift  defcends. 
And  downward  to  the  fea  his  footfteps  bends 
The  Centaur  Chiron ;  on  the  beach  he  ftood 
And  dipp'd  his  fetiocks  in  the  hoary  flood. 

Then 


T 


TRANSLATIONS.  229 

Then  waving  his  broad  hand,  the  bark  he  hales,  • 
And  fpeeds  with  profperous  vows  the  parting  fails. 
With  him  advanc'd  his  confort  to  the  fhore; 
The  young  Achilles  in  her  arms  fhe  bore : 
Then,  railing  high  in  air  the  pleafmg  load. 
To  his  fond  fire  the  fmiling  infant  Ihew'd. 

THE    STORY    OF    PHINEUS. 

TH  E  following  day  Bithynia's  coaft  they  reach. 
And  fix  their  haufers  to  the  Iheltering  beach. 
Thea-e  on  the  margin  of  the  beating  flood 
The  mournful  manfions  of  fad  Phineus  Hood, 
Agenor's  fon ;  whom  heaven  ordain'd  to  bear 
The  grievous  burden  of  unequal'd  care. 
For  taught  by  wife  Apollo  to  defcry 
Th'  unbora  events  of  dark  futurity. 
Vain  of  his  fcience,  the  prefumptious  feer 
'Deign'd  not  Jove's  awful  fecrets  to  revere; 
But  wantonly  devulg'd  to  frail  mankind 
The  facred  purpofe  of  th'  omnifcient  mind. 
Hence  Jove  indignant  gave  him  length  of  daysj 
But  quench'd  in  endlefs  fhade  his  vifual  rays. 
Nor  would  the  vengeful  God  permit  him  tafte 
The  chearful  bleflings  of  the  genial  feall ; 
Though  the  large  tribute  of  the  nations  round 
Their  prophet's  board  with  wealth  and  plenty  crown 'd. 
For,  lo  !   defcending  fudden  from  the  fky. 
Round  the  pil'd  banquet  fhrieking  harpies  fly, 

0^3  ^  Who 


230 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


Who  with  rapacious  claws  inceffant  tear 
Forth  from  his  famifh'd  lips  th'  untaft'd  fare. 
Yet  would  fome  flender  pittance  oft  remain. 
What  might  fuffice  to  keep  up  life  and  pain. 
But  then  fuch  odours  the  foul  fcraps  exhal'd. 
That  with  the  ftench  the  loathing  ftomach  fail'd. 
Aloof  the  hungry  guefts  and  wondering  ftood 
WhUe  their  fick  hearts  abhorr'd  the  putrid  food. 
But  now  the  princely  crew  approaching  near. 
The  welcome  found  invades  the  prophet's  ear. 
Taught  by  th'  infpiring  God  that  now  was  come 
The  long-wiih'd  period  of  heaven's  vengeful  doom^ 
That  by  thefe  heroes  deftin'd  aid  reftor'd. 
Peace  fl-iould  thenceforward  blefs  his  feaftful  board. 
Then  heaves  he  from  the  couch  his  haggard  head. 
Like  fome  pale>  lifelefs,  vifionary  ihade. 
And  leaning  on  his  ftafF  with  faltering  fteps. 
Along  the  walls  his  way  exploring  creeps. 
Difeas'd,  enfeebled,  and  by  age  unbrac'd. 
Trembled  his  tottering  limbs  as  forth  he  pafs'd. 
Shrunk  was  his  form,  aduft  with  want  and  care. 
And  burfting  through  his  hide  the  pointed  bones  appear. 
But  faint  and  breatlilefs  as  he  reach'd  the  gate, 
Down  on  tlie  threfhold  over-toil'd  he  fate. 
In  dizzy  fumes  involv'd,  his  brain  runs  round. 
And  fwims  beneath  his  feet  the  folid  ground. 
No  more  their  fundiojis  the  frail  fenfes  keep. 
And  fpeechlefs  fmks  the  feer  in  death-like  fleep. 

This  faw  the  chiefs  amaz'd,  and  gather'd  round  ; 
When  from,  his  labouring  lungs  a  hollow  found, 

With 


TRANSLATIONS.  251 

With  breath  and  utterance  fcarce  recover'd  broke. 
And  thus  th'  enlighten'd  feer  prophetic  fpoke : 
"  Princes  of  Greece,  attend;  if  ye  be  they 
Whom  o'er  the  nuain  ThefTalia's  pines  convey. 
And  Jafon  leads  to  Colchos'  noagic  land. 
Such  is  your  cruel  tyrant's  Hern  command. 
Yes,  ye  be  they;  for  yet  my  mental  eye 
T  Jndimm'd  pall,  prefent,  future,  can  defcry» 
Thanks  to  thy  fon,  Latona,  who  bellows 
This  grace,  this  only  folace  of  my  woes. 
By  Jove,  to  whom  the  fuppliant's  caufe  belongs. 
Who  hates  the  mercilefs,  who  avenges  wrongs. 
By  Phoebus,  by  Saturnia  wife  of  Jove, 
By  all  the  blefs'd  immortal  powers  above. 
Who  lead  you  o'er  the  main  with  watchful  care, 
O  help  I  O  fave  from  famine  and  defpair 
A  wretch  ill-fated,  to  afiliftion  born. 
Nor  leave  me  here  unpitied  and  forlorn. 
For  not  thefe  orbs  alone  depriv'd  of  fight 
Vindiftive  heaven  hath  veil'd  in  doleful  night; 
But  to  extreme  old  age  his  cruel  law 
Dooms  me  th'  unwailing  thread  of  life  to  draw. 
Nor  end  my  forrows  here;  a  heavy  chain 
Of  woes  fucceeds,  and  pain  ftill  link'd  to  pain. 
From  fecret  haunts  aerial,  uaexplor'd. 
Flights  of  devouring  harpies  vex  my  board. 
Swift,  inltantaneous,  fudden  they  defcend. 
And  from  my  mouth  the  talleful  morfel  rend. 
Mean  while  my  troubled  foul,  with  woes  oppreh'd. 
No  means  of  aid,  no  comfort  can  fuggcil. 


2iz         WEST'S     P  O  E  M  Sr 

For  when  the  feaft  I  purpofe  to  prepare. 

They  fee  that  purpofe,  and  prevent  my  care. 

But  cloy'd  and  glutted  with  the  lufcious  fpoil 

With  noifome  ordure  parting  they  defile 

Whate'er  remains,  if  ought  perchance  remain. 

That  none  approaching  may  the  ftench  fuftain. 

Though  his  ftrong  heart  were  wrapt  in  plated  mail^- 

The  filthy  fragments  fuch  dire  fleams  exhale : 

Yet  me  fell  hunger's  all  fubduing  pain 

Compells,  reluftant,  loathing,  to  remain; 

Compells  the  deadly  odours  to  endure. 

And  gorge  the  craving  maw  with  food  impure. 

From  thefe  invaders  (fo  hath  fate  decreed) 

By  Boreas'  offspring  (hall  my  board  be  freed. 

Nor  on  a  ftranger  to  your  houfe  and  blood, 

O  fons  of  Boreas,  is  your  aid  beftow'd. 

Phineus  behold,  Agenor's  haplefs  fon. 

Once  for  prophetic  Ikill  and  riches  known ; 

Who,  while  I  fway'd  the  Thracian  fceptre,  led 

Your  dower'd  filler  to  my  fpoufal  bed." 

Here  Phineus  ceas'd,  each  pitying  hero  groans. 

But  chief,  O  Boreas,  thy  relenting  fons 

Feel  kind  compaffion  fwelling  in  their  fouls. 

While  down  their  cheeks  the  generous  torrent  rowIs» 

Then  Zetes  near  approaching,  clofely  prefs'd 

His  hand,  and  thus  the  laboring  feer  addrefs'd : 

"  O  moft  difallrous  of  all  human  kind. 
Whence  fprung  the  evils  that  o'erwhelm  thy  mind  ? 
Haft  thou,  intrufted  with  the  book  of  fate. 
By  folly  merited  celeftial  hate  I 

Hence 


TRANSLATIONS.  233 

Hence  falls  this  indignation  on  thy  head  ? 
Fain  would  the  fons  of  Boreas  grant  thee  aid  j 
Fain  would  they  execute  what  heaven  ordains. 
But  awful  dread  their  willing  hands  reftrains. 
To  frighted  mortals  well  thy  fufFerings  prove. 
How  fierce  the  vengeance  of  the  gods  above. 
Then  fwear,  or  never  Ihall  this  righteous  fword. 
Though  drawn  for  thy  deliverance,  aid  afford ; 
Swear,  that  th'  affillance  which  our  arms  Ihall  lend. 
Shall  no  immortal  angry  God  offend." 
He  fpoke ;  when  flraight  tow'rd  heaven  difclofmg  wide 
His  fightlefs  balls,  the  fenior  thus  reply 'd  : 

"  My  fon,  th'  injuftice  of  thy  tongue  reftrain. 
Nor  let  fuch  thoughts  thy  pious  foul  profane : 
By  Phoebus,  heavenly  Augur,  who  infpires 
My  confcious  bofom  with  prophetic  fires  ; 
By  this  my  wretched  lot  of  woe  and  care 
Thefe  eyes  involv'd  in  darkening  clouds,  I  fvvearj 
By  the  fell  daemons  of  the  realms  below. 
Whom  ever  unpropitious  may  I  know. 
From  their  refentments  not  in  death  fecure. 
If  falfely  their  dread  godheads  I  adjure  : 
That  your  alTifting  hands  fliall  never  move 
Wrath  or  difpleafure  in  the  powers  above.'* 

Then  acquiefcing  in  the  folemn  prayer. 
To  aid  the  prophet  Boreas'  fons  prepare. 
The  ready  youth  a  banquet  fpread,  the  lafl 
That  thofe  fell  harpies  were  decreed  to  tafle  : 
Nigh  fland  the  brothers,  ardent  to  oppofe 
With  glittering  faulchions  their  invading  foes. 

Bat 


234  WEST'S     POEMS. 

But  fcarce  the  firft  fweet  morfel  Phineus  took. 

When  from  the  clouds  with  fwift  prevention  broke^ 

Swift  as  the  lightning's  glance,  or  ftormy  blaft 

Whofe  rapid  fury  lays  the  foreft  walte. 

Shrill  claniouring  for  their  prey  the  birds  obfcene. 

The  watchful  heroes  fhouting  rufh'd  between  ; 

But  they  with  fpeedieft  rage  the  cates  devour'd. 

And  round  intolerable  odours  pour'd  ; 

Then  o'er  th'  JEgean  far  away  they  flew ; 

Upfpringing  fwift  with  threatening  blades  purfue 

The  feather'd  chiefs.     That  day  Saturnius  fteel'd. 

Their  vigorous  nerves  with  force  untaught  to  yield  ; 

And  did  not  Jove  their  wearying  ftrength  fuftain. 

Their  flitting  pinions  had  they  fpread  in  vain  : 

For  when  to  Phineus  furious  they  repair. 

Or  quitting  Phineus  feek  the  fields  of  air. 

The  light-wing'd  monflers,  fleeter  than  the  wind. 

Leave  the  impetuous  zephyrs  far  behind. 

As  when  the  hound  experienc'd  in  the  chace,. 

Through  fome  wide  foreft  o'er  the  fcented  grafs 

A  bounding  hind  or  horned  goat  purfues. 

And  near  his  panting  prey,  and  nearer  views  ; 

Eager  he  ftretches  the  fliort  fpace  to  gain. 

And,  fnapping,  grinds  his  gnalhing  fangs  in  vain : 

So  ever-near  th'  infulting  chiefs  purfued  ; 

The  harpies  fo  their  catching  hands  elude. 

But  now  far  ofif  in  the  Sicilian  main. 

By  the  wing'd  brothers,  fons  of  Boreas,  flain. 

The  race  of  harpies  (though  heaven  difallow'd) 

Had  Hain'd  the  Plotian  ifles  with  facred  bloody 

Their 


I 


TRANSLATIONS.  zy^ 

Their  fore  dillrefs  had  Iris  not  furvey'd. 

And  darting  from  the  fkies  the  heroes  ftaid. 

O  fons  of  Boreas,  the  dread  laws  above 

Permit  ye  not  to  wound  the  Dogs  of  Jove. 

And,  lo  1  my  oath  I  pledge,  that  never  more 

Shall  thofe  fell  Dogs  approach  Bithynia's  fhore. 

This  faid,  adjuring  the  tremendous  floods, 

Mofl:  fear'd,  moft  honour'd  by  th'  immortal  gods  i 

By  the  flow-dripping  urn  of  Styx  flie  fwore. 

The  prophet's  peaceful  manfions  evermore 

From  thofe  rapacious  fpoilers  fliould  be  free ; 

Such  was  the  fatal  filler's  fixt  decree. 

The  goddefs  fvvare,  the  brothers  ftraight  obey,. 

And  back  to  Argo  wing  their  airy  way. 

The  Strophades  from  thence  derive  their  name^ 

The  Plotian  iflands  ftyl'd  by  ancient  fame. 

Then  part  the  harpies  and  Thaumantian  maid^ 

In  thoufand  various  mingling  dyes  array'd. 

Thefe  to  the  grots  retir'd  and  dark  retreat 

Of  Difte's  caverns  in  Minoian  Crete. 

While  the  gay  goddefs  of  the  watery  bow 

Gain'd  in  a  moment  high  Olympus'  brow. 

Mean  while  the  princes  in  the  cleanfmg  wave 
With  purifying  rites  the  fenior  lave. 
Next  from  the  fpoil,  which  on  Bybricia's  fliorc 
From  vanquilh'd  Amycus  ftern  Pollux  tore, 
A  viftim  they  feleft  with,  pious  care  ; 
And  foothe  the  gods  with  facrifice  and  prayer- 
Then  in  the  palace  each  heroic  guell 
Partakes  the  pleafures  of  the  fumptuous  feall. 

Wish 


236  WEST'S      POEMS. 

With  them  fate  Phineus,  and  refrelh'd  his  foul  1  '^' 

With  favory  viands  and  the  chearing  bowl.  I  ^ 

Unfatiated  he  feeds,  and  bathes  in  ftreams  1  ^'• 

Of  extafy  beyond  the  blifs  of  dreams.  ■  ' 

THE    HYMN    OF    *  CLEAN  THE  S. 

/^   UNDER  various  facred  names  ador'd  1 
^^^  Divinity  fupreme  !  all  potent  lord  ! 
Author  of  nature  !  whofe  unbounded  fway 
And  legiflative  power  all  things  obey  ! 
Majeftic  Jove  !   all  hail  !   To  thee  belong 
The  fuppliant  prayer,  and  tributary  fong  : 
To  thee  from  all  thy  mortal  offspring  due ; 
From  thee  we  came,  from  thee  our  being  drew ; 
Whatever  lives  and  moves,  great  fire  !  is  thine> 
Embodied  portions  of  the  foul  divine. 
Therefore  to  thee  will  I  attune  my  ftring. 
And  of  thy  wondrous  power  for  ever  fmg. 
The  wheeling  orbs,  the  wandering  fires  above. 
That  round  this  earthly  fphere  incefiTant  move, 

*  Cleanthes,  the  author  of  this  hymn,  was  a  Stoick 
phllofopher,  a  dlfciple  of  Zeno.  He  wrote  many  pieces, 
rone  of  which  are  come  down  to  us,  but  this  and  a  few 
fragments,  which  are  printed  by  H.  Stephens,  in  a  collec- 
tion of  philofophical  poems.  This  hymn  was  tranilated  at 
the  requeft  of  a  very  learned  and  ingenious  friend  of  mine, 
who  was  pleafed  to  find  fuch  juft  fentiments  of  the  Deity  in 
a  Heathen,  and  fo  nauch  poetry  in  a  philofopher. 

Through 


HYMNOFCLEANTHES.     337 

Through  all  this  boundlefs  world  admit  thy  fway. 
And  roll  fpontaneous  where  thou  point'ft  the  way. 
Such  is  the  awe  imprell:  on  nature  round 
When  through  the  void  thy  dreadful  thunders  found, 
Thofe  flaming  agents  of  thy  matchlefs  power : 
Aflonifli'd  worlds  hear,  tremble,  and  adore. 
Thus  paramount  to  all,  by  all  obey'd. 
Ruling  that  reafon  which  through  all  convey'd 
Informs  this  general  mafs,  thou  reign'ft  ador'd. 
Supreme,  unbounded,  univerfal  lord. 
For  nor  in  earth,  nor  earth-encircling  floods. 
Nor  yon  asthereal  pole,  the  feat  of  gods. 
Is  aught  perform 'd  without  thy  aid  divine  ; 
Strength,  wifdom,  virtue,  mighty  Jove,  are  thine  ! 
Vice  is  the  adl  of  man,  by  paflion  toft. 
And  in  the  fliorelefs  fea  of  folly  loft. 
But  thou,  what  vice  diforders,  canft  compofe  ; 
And  profit  by  the  malice  of  thy  foes  ; 
So  blending  good  with  evil,  fair  with  foul. 
As  hence  to  model  one  harmonious  whole  : 
One  univerfal  law  of  truth  and  right ; 
But  wretched  mortals  fliun  the  heavenly  light ; 
And,  though  to  blifs  direfting  ftill  their  choice. 
Hear  not,  or  heed  not,  reafon's  facred  voice. 
That  common  guide  ordain'd  to  point  the  road 
That  leads  obedient  man  to  folid  good. 
Thence  quitting  Virtue's  lovely  paths  they  rove. 
As  vaxious  objedls  various  paflions  move. 
Some  through  oppofing  crowds  and  threatening  war 
Seek  power's  bright  throne,  and  fame's  triumphal  car. 

Some, 


238  WEST'S     POEMS. 

Some,  bent  on  wealth,  purfue  with  endlefs  pain 
Oppreffive,  fordid,  and  diihoneft  gain  : 
While  others,  to  foft  indolence  refign'd. 
Drown  in  corporeal  fweets  th'  immortal  mind. 
But,  O  great  father,  thunder-ruling  god  1 
Who  in  thick  darknefs  mak'ft  thy  dread  abode ! 
Thou,  from  whofe  bounty  all  good  gifts  defcend. 
Do  thou  from  ignorance  mankind  defend  ! 
The  clouds  of  vice  and  folly,  O  control ; 
And  flied  the  beams  of  wifdom  on  the  foul ! 
Thofe  radiant  beams,  by  whofe  all-piercing  flame 
Thy  jullice  rules  this  univerfal  frame. 
That,  honour'd  with  a  portion  of  thy  light. 
We  may  eflay  thy  goodnefs  to  requite 
With  honorary  fongs  and  grateful  lays. 
And  hymn  thy  glorious  works  with  ceafelefs  praife. 
The  proper  talk  of  man  ;  and  fure  to  fing 
Of  nature's  laws,  and  nature's  mighty  king. 
Is  blifs  fupreme.     Let  gods  with  mortals  join  ! 
The  fubjeft  may  tranfport  a  breaft  divine. 


THE 


i 


THE 

TRIUMPHS 

OF       THE 

GOUT. 

TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  GREEK  OF 

L       U        C       I       A       N. 

« ToUere nodofam nefcit medicina podagram.'*  Ovid, 


DRAMATIS     PERSONS. 

Goddess  of  the  gout.  Messenger. 

OcYPus.  Mountebanks. 

Physician.  Chorus. 

Nurse.  Spirits. 

Scene  lies  in  THEBES. 


[     241     ] 

THE 

T  R  I  U  INI  P  H  S    OF    THE    GOUT. 

SCENE,     A     CHAMBER. 
Enter  Ocypus  *  lame,  and  leaning  on  the  Nurfe. 

Ocxp.  "^-^rHENCE,  without  wound,  proceeds  this 
^  horrid  pain. 

That  robs  me  of  the  afliftance  of  my  feet  ? 
While,  like  a  bow-ftring  by  the  forceful  arm 
Of  fome  bold  archer  ftrain'd,  the  cracking  finews 
Labour  and  ftretch;  and  force  me  to  complain,. 
That  length  of  time  but  ftrengthens  the  difeafe. 

*  Ocypus,  the  fon  of  Podaliruis  and  AHafia,  was  eminent 
for  -his  ftrength  and  beauty,  a  great  lover  of  hunting,  and 
all  gymnaftick  exercifes.  This  young  man,  having  been 
accultomed  to  infult  and  deride  \<-homfoever  he  faw  grie- 
voufly  afflided  with  the  gout,  telling  them  at  the  fame  time' 
that  their  pains  were  nothing,  brought  upon  himfelf  the 
indignation  of  the  goddefs  who  prefides  over  that  difiemperv 
and  was  at  laft,  by  the  violence  of  the  difeafe,  driven  to  a 
recantation.  Lucian  had  compofed  an  entire  drama  upon 
this  fubjedl: ;  but  as  only  the  beginning  of  this  piece  remains, 
I  have  tranflated  it,  and,  with  very  little  alteration  in  either, 
have  made  it  a  part  of  his  other  drama,  whofe  fubjed  is  the 
triumph  of  the  gout  over  phyfic. 

Vol.  LVII.  R  Nip: 


242 


WEST'S      r  O  E  M  S. 


Kur.    Raife  thyfelf  up,  my  fon,  nor  bear  fo  hard. 
Left,  helplefs  as  thou  art,  with  thee  I  fall. 

Ocyp.  Lefs  weighty  then,  to  humour  thee,  I'll  lean. 
And  reft  upon  my  foot,  and  bear  my  pain. 
For  ftiame  it  is,  that  youth  (hould  afk  the  aid 
Of  fuch  a  prating,  old,  decrepit  wretch. 

Nur.    Forbear,  vain  boy,  thy  fcoffing  infolence. 

Nor  vaunt  too  much  thy  youth ;  for  well  thou 

know'ft. 
In  ficknefs  youth  is  impotent  as  age. 
Be  govern'd;  for  this  arm  fhould  I  withdraw. 
Thou  fall'ft,  while  my  old  feet  unfhaken  ftand. 

Ocyp,  But  if  thou  fall'ft,  through  age  thou  fall'ft,  not 
ficknefs : 
Old  age  is  weak,  though  prompt  and  willing  ever— 

Nur.    Leave  arguing  ;  and  tell  me  by  what  chance 
This  pain  hath  got  pofleflion  of  thy  toe. 

Ocyp.  As  in  the  courfe  I  exercis'd,  awry 

My  ankle  turn'd,  and  thence  the  pain  enfued. 

Nur.   Why,  as  the  fellow  faid,  who  carelefs  fat 
Clipping  his  grifley  beard,  then  run  again. 

Ocyp.  Or  wreftling  might  I  not  the  hurt  receive. 

When  lock'd  together  were  our  grappling  limbs  ? 

Nur.   A  trufty  champion  by  my  troth  thou  art. 
If  all  thy  fury  light  upon  thyfelf. 
But  this  is  a  mere  circle  of  evafions. 
And  I  myfelf  the  like  difcourfe  have  held 
In  former  times,  and  try'd  to  varnifli  o'er, 
Ev'n  to  my  deareft  friends,  th'  unpleafing  truth ; 

But 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT,    243 

But  now  when  every  fwelling  member  fpeaks. 
And  burning  dolours  torture  thy  whole  body — 
Enter  Physician. 

Pbj.    O  !  where  is  Ocypus,  illuftrious  youth  ? 
For  lame,  I  hear,  are  his  vidorious  feet. 
And  therefore  to  affift  him  am  I  come. 
But  fee  !  where,  carelefs  on  the  couch  difFus'd, 
Supine  he  lies!  — Heaven  grant  thee  health,  my  fon, 
And  to  thy  feet  reftore  their  wonted  ftrength. 
Declare  to  me,  O  Ocypus,  the  caufe 
Of  thy  complaint ;  perhaps  my  powerful  art 
May  for  thy  anguilh  find  fome  quick  relief. 

Or)'/,  Intolerable  pain  my  foot  confumes, 

Phy.  Whence  came  it  ?  how  ?  what  accident  ?  e.vplain- 

Ocyp,  Or  in  the  llraining  race,  or  haply  while 
My  gymnick  exercifes  I  perform'd. 
Some  hurt  from  my  companions  I  receiv'd, 

Phy.    Then  where's  the  fore  and  angry  inflammation  • 
And  why  no  fomentation  on  the  part  ? 

Ocyp.  The  woollen  bandage  I  abhor, 

A'«r.  Alas  ! 

How  baneful  \:>  the  pride  of  handfome  looks  ! 

Phy,    What  therefore  mull  be  done  ?  fhall  I  lay  open 
Thy  tumid  foot?  But,  Ocypus,  be  fure 
If  once  I  feize  upon  it,  I  fhall  drain. 
At  many  bleeding  wounds,  thy  arteries. 

'Ocyp.  Put  all  thy  new  devices  now  in  practice. 

So  from  this  horrid  pain  my  foot  be  freed. 

Phy.    Then,  lo  !   my  fteely  inllrument  I  draw. 

This  crooked,  fnarp,  blood-thirftinginftrument. 
R  2  Ocyp. 


24.4  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Ocyp.  Hey  !  ho  ! 

Nur.  Phyfician,  what  doft  thou  intend  ? 

Would'ft  thou  with  fharp  incifions  vex  him  more  ? 
And,  without  knowing  why,  his  foot  endanger  ? 
He  hath  abus'd  thee  with  an  idle  tale. 
For  neither  in  the  ilraining  race,  nor  while 
His  gymnick  exercifes  he  perform'd. 
From  his  companions  did  he  hurt  receive. 
Then  liften  to  my  tale.     Healthful  he  came. 
And  all  unwounded  home  ;  and  greedily 
The  evening  feaft  devour'd,  anddrain'd  the  bowl; 
Then  falling  on  the  couch  fecurely  flept. 
But  at  midnight  awaking,  loud  he  roar'd. 
As  fmitten  by  fome  god :  fear  feiz'd  us  all. 
And,   Oh  !    he   cried,   whence   came   this  dire 

mifchance  ? 
Some  torturing  dremon  fcizes  on  my  foot. 
Thus  on  his  couch  up-fitting  all  night  long 
His  foot  in  fad  folemnity  he  moan'd. 
But  when  the  cock's  {hrill-founding  trump  proclaims 
The  dawning  day,  lamenting  forth  he  comes. 
And  on  my  flioulder  leans  his  feverifh  hand. 
While  his  difabled  footlleps  I  upheld. 
All  that  he  told  thee  is  a  forg'd  device 
To  veil  the  fecret  of  his  dire  difeafe. 
Which  now  in  every  limb  begins  to  rack  him. 
Nor  yet  is  able  to  extort  the  truth. 

X)cyp.  Old  age  is  ever  arm'd  with  mighty  words  ; 
Vaunting  in  fpeech,  but  impotent  in  adlion. 
He,  who  when  fick  his  nurfing  friends  deceives. 

Like 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.    245 

Like  the  ftarv'd  Wretch  that  hungry  maftick  * 
chews,  •  .     ■ 

But  cheats  himfelf,  and  fofters  his  difeafe. 
Phy.    Thou  cheatell  all;  now  that,  now  faying  this, 

ConfeiTmg  pain,  but  not  explaining  what. 
Ocyp,   And  how  ftiall  I  explain  it  ?  I  indeed 

Know  that  I  fufFer  pain ;  and  that  is  all. 
Phy.    When  pain,  without  apparent  caufe,  invades 

The  fwelling  foot,  a  man  may  pleafe  himfelf 

In  hunting  after  this  and  that  folutian. 

But  can't  millake  the  nature  of  his  evil. 

And  now  hear  this,  howe'er  unpleafing  truth. 

At  length,  with  vengeance  due,  'tis  come  upon  thee. 
Ocyp.  It  ?  what  ?  alas  !   what  terrible  difeafe. 

That  needs  fuch  preface  to  its  horrid  name  ? 
iV«r.    The  gout,  O  wretched  Ocypus,  whofe  pangs 

And  gnawing  tortures  thou  didft  once  deride. 
Ocyp.  But  what,  O  fkilful  artilt,  what  fay'it  thou  ? 
Phy.    Farewell,  to  ferve  thee  I  negleft  myfelf. 
Ocyp.  What  accident  or  bufinefs  calls  thee  hence  ? 
Pky.    Into  a  curelefs  evil  thou  art  fall'n. 
Ocyp.  Muft  I  then,  ever  lame,  tormented  ever. 

Drag  on  a  life  of  everlafting  woe  I 

*  Maftick  is  a  great  ftrengthener  of  the  ftomach,  and 
confequently  promotes  appetite  ;  which  to  a  man  dying  of 
hunger  .is  fo  far  from  being  a  relief,  that  it  rather  increafes 
his  complaint :  this  I  take  to  be  the  meaning  of  this  palTage. 

Rj  Phy. 


246  WEST'S     POEMS. 

Phy.    Fear  not :  thou  fhalt  not  be  for  ever  lame. 

Ocyp.  What  worfe  have  I  to  fear  ? 

Pby.  On  either  leg 

Her  galling  fetters  will  the  goddefs  bind. 

Ocyp.  Alas  !  in  t'other  fympathizing  foot 
Methinks  I  feel  a  new  unufual  pain. 
Oramlmotionlefs?  Or  wherefore  dread  I  \_rijingup^ 
To  place  thefe  once  fo  nimble  feet  on  earth  ? 
Seiz'd  like  a  child  with  vain  and  fudden  fear  ; 
Now  by  the  gods,  th'  immortal  gods,  I  beg^ 
If  aught  thy  art  fuggeft  of  aid  or  comfort. 
Thy  friendly  help  impart,  and  heal  my  pain. 
Or  furely  I  ihall  die  :  within  I  feel 
The  fecret  venom,  and  the  thrilling  arrow 
That  pierces  through  ray  feet,  and  tears  my  fmews» 

fby.    Not  to  amufe  thee  with  unmeaning  words. 

Like  fome  of  thofe  who  call  themfelyes  phyficians. 
But  of  the  healing  fcience  nothing  know, 
I'll  briefly  fl;ievv  the  ftate  of  thy  complaint : 
An  unfurmountable  and  ilrong  difeafe 
Is  fall'n  upon  thee :  bonds  more  hard  and  flubbora 
Than  thofe  fteel-temper'd  fhackles,which  the  hand 
Of  juftice  fixes  on  the  bold  offender  : 
A  dreadful,,  undifcover'd,  fecret  ill, 
Whofe  burden  human  nature  fcarce  can  bear, 
Ocyp.  Alas  !   oh!   oh  !  what  inward  fmart  is  this. 
That  penetrates  my  foot  ?  oh  !  on  thy  arm 
Support  me,  ere  I  fall,  and  lead  me  on 
As  thje  young  Satyrs  reeling  Bacchus  lead. 

[/«//;  C7i  the  couch, 
Phy. 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.    247 

Phy,    There  leave  him  on  the  couch  ;  refreihing  flcep 
His  much-exhaufted  fpirits  will  recruit. 

\_Exeunt  Nur/e  and  Phyfician, 

OcY vvs  folus. 
Ocyp.  O  horrid  name  !   detefted  by  the  gods  ! 

Gout,  rueful  gout  !  of  fad  Cocytus  born  ! 
Whom  in  the  mirky  caves  of  Tartarus 
The  fiend  Megaera  in  her  womb  conceiv'd. 
And  nourifli'd  at  her  breaft  :  Aledo  too 
With  her  fell  milk  the  wayward  infant  fed. 
But  oh  !  what  god  brought  thy  difallrous  power 
To  taint  this  light,  and  harrafs  human- kind  ? 
If  punilhment  condign  purfue  the  dead. 
For  crimes  committed  in  their  days  of  nature. 
What  need  was  there  in  Pluto's  dreary  realm-; 
With  ftreams  forbidden  Tantalus  to  vex  ? 
To  v/hirl  Ixion  on  the  giddy  wheel  ? 
And  weary  Sifyphus  v/ith  fruitlefs  toil  : 
It  fure  had  been  fufficient  punilhment 
Had  each  offender  the  fharp  pains  endur'd. 
That  tear  this  meagre  miferable  carcafe  : 
While  through  th'  obflruded  pores  the  ftruggling 

vapour 
And  bitter  dilHllation  force  their  way. 
Ev'n  through  the  bowels  runs  the  fcalding  plague, 
And  waives  the  flefli  with  floods  of  eddying  fire. 
So  rage  the  flames  in  ^Etna's  fulphurous  womb  ; 
So  'twixt  Charybdis  and  vex'd.Scylla  rave 
Th'  imprifon'd  tides.,  and  in  wild  whirlpools  tofs'd 
R  4  Dafti'd 


248  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Dafh'd  'gainft  the  mouldering  rocks  the  foaming 

furge. 
O  evil  unexplor'd  !  how  oft  in  vain 
We  fondly  try  to  mitigate  thy  woes. 
And findno comfort, by falfe hopes abus'd.  [Sleeps, 

SCENE  changes,  and  di/co'ver:  the  Chorus,  conjifiing 
of  Gouty  Men  and  Women,  marching  in  ProceJJjon  ta 
the  Temple  of  the  Gout,  •vjith  Mujic  and  Dancing. 

CHORUS. 

To  tender  Attis,  beardlefs  bovj 
The  howling  Phrygian  throng 

On  Cybele's  high  mountain  chant 
Th'  enthufiaftic  fong. 

On  yellow  Tmolus'  flowery  top 

The  Lydian  youth  around 
For  Comus  mix  the  warbling  voice 

And  flute's  melodious  found. 

With  clafhing  arms,  in  frantick  mood. 

The  mad  Idaean  train 
Attemper  to  the  Cretan  dance 

Their  holy  ritual  ftrain. 

To  Mars,  the  furious  god  of  war. 
The  fwelling  trumpets  breathe. 
Preluding  to  contentious  ftrife. 
To  battle,  blood,  and  death. 
But  we,  O  Gout,  affliftive  power  ! 

We  thy  fad  votaries. 
In  fighs  and  groans  to  thee  perform 
.   .  Oar  annual  facrifice  : 

When 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.  249 

When  ufher'd  by  the  blufhing  hours 

The  genial  fpring  appears ; 
And  every  flower-embroider'd  vaJe 

Its  verdant  mantle  wears : 
When  zephyr  on  each  pregnant  tree 

Calls  forth  the  tender  leaves ; 
And  her  fad  neft  the  fwallovv  builds 

Beneath  the  friendly  eaves : 
When  in  the  grove,  at  midnight  houfj 

Difconfolate,  alone. 
For  Itys  loft  th'  Athenian  bird 

Renews  her  plaintive  moan. 

[Exit  Chorus^ 

SCENE,    A   CHAMBER, 
O  c  y  p  u  s  folus. 

Ocyp.  Come,  O  my  comfort,  my  fupporter,  come. 
My  ftaft",  my  third  be  ft  leg,  O  !   now  uphold 
My  tottering  footfteps,  and  diredl  my  way. 
That  lightly  on  the  earth  my  foot  may  tread. 
Wretch,  from  thy  pallet  raife  thy  heavy  limbs. 
And  quit  the  cover'd  clofenefs  of  the  room. 
Difpel  the  cloud,  that  weighs  thy  eyelids  down^ 
In  open  day,  and  in  the  golden  fun 
On  purer  air  thy  enliven'd  fpirit  feaft.  ' 
For  now  my  willing  mind  invites  me  forth  j 
But  the  weak  flefti  refufes  to  comply. 
Be  refolute,  my  foul  j  for  well  thou  know'ft. 

The 


250  WEST'S     POEMS. 

The  gouty  wretch,  that  would  but  cannot  move. 
Ought  to  be  number'd  with  th'  inadive  dead. 
Come  on. 

[Exit  OcYPus. 

Scene  changes. 
Enter  OcYPUS,  n.vho  difcovers  the  Chorus  before  a 
Temple  offering  Sacrifices  to  the  Gout,  ii^ith  Mujick 
and  Dancing.     D-ance. 

Ocyp. — But  who  are  they,  whofe  hands  with  crutches 
fiU'd, 

Whofe  tofling  heads  with  eldern  garlands  bound. 

Seem  in  wild  dance  fome  feall  to  celebrate  ? 

Do  they  to  thee,  Apollo,  Psans  fmg  ? 

Then  would  the  Delphick  laurel  fhade  their  brows. 

Or  chant  they  rather  Bacchanalian  hymns  ? 

Then  would  their  temples  be  with  ivy  wreath'd. 

Whence  are  ye,  flrangers?  fpeak :  the  truth  declare. 

Declare,  O  friends,  what  deity  ye  worlhip. 
Chor,  But  who  art  thou,  that  mak'lt  us  this  demand  ? 

Thou  too,  as  from  thy  crutch  may  be  inferr'd. 

And  hobbling  pace,  thou  art  a  votary 

Of  the  invincible  divinity. 
Ocyp.  I  am ;  nor  am  unworthy  of  the  name. 

Chorus.  When  Cyprian  Venus,  queen  of  love. 
In  pearly  dews  fell  from  above, 
Nereus  amafs'd  her  fcatter'd  frame. 
And  form'd  the  fair-proportion'd  dame. 

Fail 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT,    251 

Faft  by  the  fountains  of  the  deep. 
Where  on  their  ouze  the  furges  fleep. 
On  her  broad  bofom  Tethys  laid 
The  partner  of  Jove's  regal  bed. 

Minerva,  virgin  bold  and  wife. 
From  the  great  Monarch  of  the  {kles,.. 
Saturnian  Jove,  her  birth  receiv'd. 
In  his  immortal  brain  conceiv'd. 

But  old  Ophion,  hoary  god. 

Our  goddefs  firft  embrac'd ; 
Firft  in  his  fond  paternal  arms 

The  mighty  infant  plac'd. 

V/hat  time  primaeval  Chaos  ceas'dj. 

And  Night  eternal  fled ; 
Bright  rofe  the  morning,  and  the  fun 

His  new-born  radiance  fhed. 

Then  from  the  womb  of  Fate  fprung  fortBK 

The  Gout's  tremendous  power. 
Heaven  with  portentous  thunders  rung;^ 

And  hail'd  her  natal  hour. 

Clotho  receiv'd  and  fwath'd  the  babe^. 

Thence  at  the  ftreaming  breaft 
Of  Wealtli  by  foftering  Plutus  fed,. 

Her  awful  force  increas'd. 

Ocyp.  Say  by  what  rites  myfterious  to  her  altar 
Doth  the  dread  power  her  votaries  admit  ? 


25 


2  WEST'S     POEMS. 


Cho.    Nor  *  with  the  biting  fteel  ourfelves  we  wound. 
Or  fprinkle  with  our  blood  the  hallow'd  ground: 
Nor  are  our  necks  with  galling  collars  worn ; 
Or  livid  backs  with  founding  Icourges  torn : 
Nor  at  the  altar,  when  the  viftim  dies. 
Gorge  we  the  raw  and  bleeding  facrifice : 
But  when  the  Spring  the  rifing  fap  impells. 
And  the  young  elm  with  genial  moifture  fwells. 
When  in  the  hedges  on  the  budding  fpray 
The  black-bird  modulates  her  various  lay : 
Then  unperceiv'd  fhe  drives  her  piercing  dart. 
And  wounds  the  inmoft  fenfe  with  fecret  fraart; 
The  hip,  the  nervous  thigh,  the  ankles  Avell, 
The  bending  knee,  and  firm-fupporting  heel  : 
The  ftrong-knit  flioulder  and  the  fmewy  arm. 
And  hand  mechanick,  feel  th'  inteftine  harm. 
Through  every  joint  the  thrilling  anguifh  pours. 
And  gnaws,  and  burns,  and  tortures,  and  devours ; 
Till  length  of  fuffering  the  dire  power  appeafe. 
And  the  fierce  torments  at  her  bidding  ceafe. 

Ocyp.  Unweetiiig  then  her  votary  am  I. 

Thou,  goddefs,  gentle  and  benign,  approach  1 
And  I,  with  thefe  thy  votaries,  will  begin 
Thy  facred,  folemn,  cullomary  fong, 

iDance. 

*  The  Chorus  here  allude  to  feveral  religious  ceremonies 
performed  by  feveral  Priefts  to  their  Gods.  The  Scripture 
mentions  the  Priefts  of  Baa!  cutting  and  flafliing  themfelves. 
with  knives,  &c. 

Chorus, 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.    253 

Chorus.  Thou  air,  be  ftill ;  thou  fky,  ferene ; 

Thy  groans,  thou  gouty  wretch,  forbear: 
Propt  on  her  ftafF,  behold  the  Queen 
Deigns  at  our  altars  to  appear  ! 
[  The  Goddejs  of  the  Gout  dejcetids  or  enters. 
Hail !   gentleft  of  the  heavenly  powers ! 

Propitious  on  thy  fervants  fmile ; 
And  grant  in  Spring's  fermenting  hours 
A  quick  deliverance  from  our  toil. 
Godd.  Lives  there  on  earth  to  whom  I  am  unknown. 
Unconquerable  queen  of  mighty  woes  ? 
Whom  nor  the  fuming  confer  can  appeafe. 
Nor  vidim's  blood  on  blazing  altars  pour'd. 
Me  not  Apollo's  fclf  with  all  his  drugs. 
High  Heaven's  divine  Phyfician,  can  fubdue; 
Nor  his  learn'd  fon,  wife  -^fculapius. 
Yet,  ever  fmce  the  race  of  man  begun. 
All  have  effay'd  my  fury  to  repel. 
Racking  th'  invention  of  ftill-baffled  phyfick. 
Some  this  receipt  'gainft  me,  fome  that  explore. 
Plantane  they  bruife,  the  parfley's  odorous  herb. 
The  lenient  lettuce,  and  the  purflain  wild. 
Thefe  bitter  horehound,  and  the  watery  plant 
That  on  the  verdant  banks  of  rivers  grows; 
Thofe  nettles  crufn,  and  comfrey's  vifcid  root. 
And  pluck  the  lentils  in  the  Handing  pools. 
Some  parfnips,  fome  the  glofly  leaf  apply 
That   fhades    the    downy    peach,    benumming 

henbane. 
The  poppies  foothing  gum,  th'  emollient  bulb,  , 
Rind  of  the  ?unick  apple,  fleawort  hot. 

The 


354  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

The  coftly  frankincenfe,  and  fearching  root 
Of  potent  hellebore,  foft  fenugreek 
Temper'd  with  rofy  wine,  coUamphacum, 
Nitre  and  fpawn  of  frogs,  the  Cyprefs-cone, 
And  meal  of  bearded  barley,  and  the  leaf 
Of  colworts  unprepar'd,  and  ointments  made 
Of  pickled  garus,  and  (O  vain  conceit !) 
The  dung  of  mountain-goats,  and  human  ordure. 
The  flower  of  beans,  and  hot  farcophagus. 
The  poifonous  ruddock  *  fome,  and  fhrew-moufc 

boil. 
The  weafel  fome,  the  frog,  the  lizard  green. 
The  fell  hyaena,  and  the  wily  fox. 
And  branching  ftone-buck  f  bearded  like  a  goat. 
What  kind  of  metals  have  ye  left  untry'd? 
What  juice  ?  what  weeping  tree's  medicinal  tear  ? 
What  beafts,  what  animals,  have  not  bellow'd 
Their  bones,  or  nerves,  or  hides,  or  blood,  or 

marrow. 
Or  milk,  or  fat,  or  excrement,  or  urine  ? 
The  draught  of  four-ingredients  fome  compofc. 
Some  eight,  but  more  from  feven  expeft  relief 
Some  from  the  purging  hiera  feek  their  cure. 
On  myftick  verfes  vainly  fome  depend; 
The  tricking  Jew  gulls  other  fools  with  charms; 
While  to  the  cooling  fountains  others  fly. 
And  in  the  cryllal  current  feek  for  health. 

•  A  kind  of  red  land-toad. 

t  A  beaft  with  fliaggy  hair  and  a  beard  like  a  goat,  but 
«therwife  like  a  ftag. 

But 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.    255 

But  to  all  thefe  fell  anguifh  I  denounce. 
To  all  who  tempt  me  ever  more  fevere. 
But  they  who  patiently  my  vifit  take. 
Nor  feek  to  combat  me  with  anodynes, 
Still  find  me  gentle  and  benevolent. 
For  in  my  rites  whoe'er  participates. 
His  tongue  with  eloquence  I  ftrait  endow. 
And  teach  him  with  facetious  wit  to  pleafe, 
A  merry,  gay,  jocofe  companion  boon : 
Round  whom  the  noify  croud  incefTant  laugh. 
As  to  the  baths  the  crippled  wretch  is  borne. 
For  that  dire  Ate,  of  whom  Homer  fmgs. 
That  dreaded  powerful  deity  am  I  : 
Who  on  the  heads  of  men  infulting  tread. 
And  filent,  foft,  and  unobferv'd,  approach. 
But  as  from  me  the  acid  drop  defcends. 
The  drop  of  anguifh,  I  the  Gout  am  call'd. 
Now  then,  my  votaries  all,  my  orgies  fing. 
And  praife  with  hymns  th'  unconquerable  goddefs. 

Chorus.  Hear,  flubborn  virgin,  fierce  and  flrong, 
Impradlicable  maid ! 
O  lillen  to  our  holy  fong  ! 
And  grant  thy  fervants  aid  ! 

Thy  power,  imperious  dame,  difmays 

The  Monarch  of  the  Dead, 
And  Ih-ikes  the  Ruler  of  the  feas 

And  thundering  Jove  with  dread. 

Thee 


256  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Thee  fofc  repofing  beds  delight 

And  flannels  warm  embrace. 
And  bandag'd  legs  nor  fwift  in  flight. 

Nor  viftors  in  the  race. 

Thy  flames  the  tumid  ankles  feel. 
The  flnger  maim'd,  the  burning  heel. 

And  toe  that  dreads  the  ground. 
Thy  pains  unclos'd  our  eye-lids  keep. 
Or  grant  at  befl:  tumultuous  fieep 

And  flumbers  never  found. 

Thy  cramps  our  limbs  diftort. 

Thy  knots  our  joints  invade: 
Such  is  thy  cruel  fport ! 

Inexorable  maid  ! 

E}2ter  Mejjjenger,  -^vith  tvjo  Moioitebanks  bound. 
jMcf.  O  !   Millrefs,  opportunely  art  thou  met. 
Attend ;  no  vain  or  idle  tale  I  bring. 
But  well  fupported  by  authentick  facls. 
As  through  the  town  (for  fo  thou  didft  enjoin) 
With  flow  and  gentle  pace  I  lately  rang'd. 
Searching  if  haply  I  might  chance  to  find 
A  mortal  bold  enough  to  brave  thy  power; 
There  quiet  all,  and  patient,  I  beheld,    ' 
Subdued,  O  goddefs,  by  thy  mighty  arm. 
Ail  but  thefe  two  prefumptuous  daring  wretches, 
Who  to  the  gaping  crowd  with  oaths  deny'd 
To  pay  due  reverence  to  thy  deity, 
BoalUng  that  they  would  banifh  thee  from  earth : 

Where- 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT. 


=57 


Wherefore  with  fetters  Itrong  their  legs  I  bound. 
And  after  five  days  march  have  brought  them 

hither, 
A  weary  march  of  twice  five  hundred  feet. 

Gvdd.  Swift  haft  thou  come,  my  winged  mefl'enger. 

Say,  from  what  regions,  through  what  rugged  paths 
Haft  thou  thy  tedious  longfome  way  purfued  ? 
Explain,  that  I  may  comprehend  thy  fpeed  ? 

Me/.    Five  flairs,  whofe  weak  and  diflocated  frame 
Trembled  beneath  my  tread,  defcending  down, 
Firft  to  the  level  pavement  I  arriv'd. 
That  'gainft  my  feet  its  jarring  furface  turn'd  ; 
Which  having  with  uneafy  footfteps  crofs'd, 
1  enter'd  next  the  rough  and  flinty  ftreet, 
Whofe  pointed  ftones  the  gouty  foot  abhors  : 
Here  meeting  with  a  fmooth,  though  flippery  path, 
I  hurried  on,  but  with  back-fliding  hafte. 
The  trodden  fiime  my  tottering  ankle  turn'd. 
Thus  as  J  journey'd,  down  on  every  fide 
The  ftreaming  fweat  defcended,  and  my  legs 
Faint  and  relax'd  no  longer  firmly  trod. 
Thence  laboring  in  each  limb,  and  overtoil'd, 
A  bread,  but  dangerous  way  receiv'd  me  next : 
For  on  each  hand  the  whirling  chariots  flew. 
And  urg'd,  and  prefs'd,  and  drove  me  fafter  on ; 
But  I  with  nimble  adllon  ply'd  my  feet. 
And  quick  into  an  alley  itept  aflde. 
Till  every  rattling  hafty  wheel  was  pafs'd. 
For,  as  to  thee,  O  goddefs,  I  belong'd. 
Thy  votary,  I  ought  not,  could  not  run. 

Voi.  LVir.  S  Gocid. 


2s8  W  E  S  T  '  S    P  O  E  M  S. 

Godd.  Servant,  thou  haft  not  well  perform'd  in  vain. 
Nor  fhall  tJiy  prompt  obedience  want  reward. 
In  recompence  this  pleafing  boon  receive. 
Three  years  of  light  and  gentler  pains  to  bear. 
But  ye,  moft  impious  heaven-abandon'd  villains. 
What  and  whence  are  ye,  that  fo  proudly  dare 
TJie  lifts  to  enter  with  the  mighty  Gout, 
Whofe  power  not  Jove  himfelf  can  overcome  ? 
Speak,  wretches — many  a  hero  have  I  tam'd. 
As  all  the  wife  and  learn'd  can  teftify. 
Priam  *  was  gouty,  as  old  Poets  fmg. 
And  by  the  Gout  the  fwift  Achilles  fell. 
Eellerophon,  and  Thebes'  unhappy  Lord, 
The  mighty  Oedipus,  my  prowefs  own'd. 
And,  of  maim 'd  Pelops'  race,  young  Plifthenes. 
He  too,  who  led  to  Troy  his  warrior  bands. 
The  halting  fon  of  Paeas,  felt  my  dart. 
And  by  my  dart  the  f  Lord  of  Ithaca, 

*  Priam  luas  gouty,  &c.]  Lucian  had  this  circumftancc 
from  fome  fecret  hiftories  that  are  not  come  down  to  us ; 
or  pofiibly  there  may  be  fome  conceit  which  we  do  not 
underftand,  fince  one  cannot  help  thinking  that  he  alludes 
to  the  lamenefs  of  Philodetes,  which  he  got  by  the  fall  of 
one  of  Hercules's  arrows  on  his  foot;  and  to  the  wound 
which  Achilles  received  in  his  heel  from  Paris,  which  wound 
was  the  occafion  of  his  death. 

■f  Telegonus,  the  fon  of  UlylTes  by  Circe,  coming  to 
Ithaca  to  fee  his  father,  was  denied  entrance  by  the  fcrvants ; 
upon  which  a  quarrel  enfiied,  in  which  he  unfortunately  flew 
his  father  UlyfTes  with  a  fpear  or  arrow,  pointed  with  the 
bone  of  a  trygon,  a  poifonous  filh. 

Not 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.    259 

Not  by  the  poifonous  trygon's  bone  expir'd. 
Wherefore,  ill-fated  wretches,  be  afTur'd, 
Your  wicked  deeds  (hall  meet  their  due  reward. 

i.  Mo.  Syrians  we  are,  in  fair  Damafcus  born. 
But,  urg'd  by  want  and  hungry  poverty. 
O'er  earth  and  fea  like  vagabonds  we  roam. 
And  with  this  ointment,  which  our  father  gave. 
We  comfort  and  relieve  the  fick  and  lame. 

<Soi^^.  What  is  your  ointment,  fay,  and  how  prepar'd  ."* 

Z  Mo.  We  dare  not  tell,  to  fecrecy  oblig'd 

Both  by  the  folemn  oath  of  our  profefllon. 
And  laft  injundlions  of  a  dying  father  ; 
Who  charg'd  us  to  conceal  the  powerful  virtue 
Of  this  our  medicine,  vvhofe  ftrong  efhcacy, 
O  Gout,  can  ev'n  thy  madding  fires  allay. 

Codd.  Ha  !  miferable  wretches,  fay  ye  fo  ? 

Is  there  on  earth  a  medicine,  whofe  effect 

My  power  is  not  fufScient  to  control? 

Come  on,  upon  this  iffue  let  us  join. 

Let  us  experience  now  the  prevalence 

Of  your  ftrong  medicine  or  my  raging  flames. 

Hither,  tormenting  fpirits,  who  prefide 

O'er  my  dlftrafting  forrows,  hither  come. 

Spirits  defcend. 
Thou  from  the  tender  fole  to  every  toe 
Round  all  the  foot  the  burning  anguifh  fpread. 
Thou  in  the  heel  fhalt  fettle,  from  the  thigh 
Thou  on  the  knee  fhalt  pour  the  bitter  drop. 
^'\nd  each  of  you  a  linger  fhall  torment. 

S  2  Sj>ir. 


z6o  WEST'S      POEMS. 

Spir.   Eehold,  O  Queen,  thy  orders  are  perform'd. 

See  !  where  the  wretches  maim'd  and  roaring  lie. 
Their  limbs  dillorted  with  our  fierce  attack. 

Go^ii.  Now,  friends,  inform  us  of  the  truth;  declare 
If  aught  your  boalled  ointment  now  avail. 
For  if  my  forces  it  indeed  fubdue. 
Far,  to  the  dark  recefles  of  the  earth, 
The  depths  profound  of  Tartarus,  I'll  fly. 
Henceforth  unknown,  unhonour'd,  and  unfeen. 

I  Mc.  Behold  the  ointment  is  apply'd  !  but,  oh  ! 

The  flames  relent  not.     Oh  !   I  faint,  I  die  ! 
A  fecret  poifon  all  my  leg  confumes. 
Not  fo  pernicious  is  the  bolt  of  Jove  : 
Nor  rages  fo  the  wild  tempeltuous  fea  : 
iS^or  more  refiftlefs  is  the  lightning's  blaft. 
Sure  three-mouth'd  Cerberus  my  fmews  gnaws : 
Or  on  my  flelli  fome  poifonous  viper  preys ; 
Or  to  my  limbs  th'  envenom'd  *  mantle  clings, 
Drench'd  in  the  Centaur's  black  malignant  gore  ! 
O  Queen,  have  mercy  !  freely  we  acknowledge 
That,  nor  our  ointment,  nor  aught  elfe  on  earth, 

•  The  mantle  of  the  Centaur  NefTus,  who  having  proffered 
Hercules  his  fervice  to  carry  his  wife  over  the  river  Evenus, 
when  he  had  her  on  the  other  fide  would  have  forced  her. 
Whereupon  Hercules  fhot  him  with  an  arrow.  NefTus, 
feeing  he  mufl  die,  in  revenge  prefents  Deianira  with  his 
mantle  ftained  with  his  own  blood,  telling  her  It  was  a 
charm  for  love.  She  believing  this,  when  Hercules  was 
facrificlng  In  Mount  Oeta,  fent  hira  this  mantle  to  put  on  ; 
which  he  no  fooner  did,  but  the  poifon  worked  fo  Itrongly 
that  he  grew  mad,  and  threw  himfelf  into  the  fire. 

Thy 


THE  TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOUT.    261 

Thy  unrefifted  fury  can  reftrain, 

O  mighty  conquerefs  of  human  kind  ! 

Ocyp.  "  I  too,  O  potent  goddefs,  grace  implore. 

"  Once  in  the  wanton  pride  of  vigorous  youth, 
«  Vain  of  my  beauteous  limbs,  and  aftive  ftrength, 
"  I  mock'd  thy  dolors,  and  thy  power  defy'd. 
"  But  now  chaftis'd  by  thy  affliftive  arm, 
"  And  by  thy  nearer  influence  fubdued, 
"  My  impious  vaunts,  O  goddefs,   I  retradt, 
"  Adore  thy  might,  and  deprecate  thy  wrath.' ' 

Godii.  Spirits,  forbear,  and  mitigate  their  woes. 

See  they  repent  them  of  the  dire  contention. 
Now  let  the  world  confcfs  my  ftubborn  power. 
Nor  mov'd  by  pity,  nor  by  drugs  fubdued. 

\GoddeJs  and  Spirits  re-a/cend, 

C,':c.    In  vain  with  mimic  flames  Salmoneus  Itrove 
To  emulate  the  bolts  of  thundering  Jove; 
To  deepeil  hell  with  fcorching  lightning  driven. 
Too  late  he  own'd  the  ftronger  power  of  Heaven. 

The  fatyr  Marfyas  blew  his  boaftful  reed. 

And,  Phcebus,  itrike,  he  cry'd,  thy  rival  firings. 

Stript  of  his  ficin,  he  mourns  the  impious  deed. 
While  round  the  bleeding  trophy  Pythius  fings. 

Robb'd  of  her  children,  in  eternal  woe. 
In  ftreams  eternal  while  her  forrows  flow. 
Sad  Niobe  laments  the  fatal  hour. 
That  urg'd  her  to  provoke  Latona's  power. 

S  3  Thee, 


z62         WEST'S     POEMS, 

Thee,  Pallas,  fkill'd  in  every  work  divine, 
Foolifn  Arachne  at  the  loom  defy'd; 

Inceffant  thence  fne  draws  the  filmy  twine. 
Memorial  of  her  fond  prefumptuous  pride. 

Taught  by  the  vengeance  of  the  gods  above, 
Latona,  Pallas,  Pythian  Phoebus,  Jove, 
To  mortals  be  this  fage  inftrudlion  given, 
"  That  man,  though  bold,  is  not  a  match  for 
"  Keaven."  [^Danct, 

Cho,    O  awful  Gout,  whofe  univerfal  fway 

The  trembling  nations  of  the  earth  obey. 
Our  torments,  gracious  fovereign,  O  affuage  ! 
Be  fliort  our  pangs,  be  moderate  thy  rage  ! 

Many,  various,  are  the  woes 

That  this  fcene  of  life  compofc. 

Ufe  with  reconciling  balm 

Can  our  thiobbing  forrows  calm ; 

Can  our  Iharpeft  pains  beguile. 

And  bid  gouty  wretches  fmile. 

Hence,  companions  of  my  care. 

Learn  with  patient  hearts  to  bear. 

To  expecl  with  fouls  unmov'd 

Ills  ye  have  already  prov'd. 

If  feverer  woes  invade. 

Heaven  will  grant  you  llrength  and  aid. 

Who,  impatient  of  his  pain. 

Bites,  and  gnaws,  and  Ihakes  the  chain. 

Laughter  he,  and  fcorn  fhall  move. 

Such  is  the  decree  of  Jove. 

ON 


C  263   1 


ON        THE 

ABUSE    OF    TRAVELLING. 

A      CANTO, 

IN  IMITATION  OF   SPENSER. 

THE       ARGUMENT. 

Archimage  tempts  the  Red-Crofs  Knight 

From  love  of  Fairy  land. 
With  ihew  of  foreign  pleafures  all. 

The  which  he  doth  withitand. 

I. 

W/  ISE  was  that  Spartan  Law-giver  of  old, 

*         Who  rais'd  on  Virtue's  bafe  his  well-built  ftate. 
Exiling  from  her  walls  barbaric  gold. 
With  all  the  mifchiefs  that  upon  it  wait. 
Corruption,  luxury,  and  envious  hate ; 
And  the  diftinftions  proud  of  rich  and  poor. 
Which  among  brethren  kindle  foul  debate. 
And  teach  Ambition,  that  to  fame  would  foar. 
To  the  falfe   lure   of  wealth  her    ftooping   wing   to 
lower. 

IL 
Yet  Vvould  Corruption  foon  have  entrance  found. 
And  all  his  boafted  fchemes  eftfoon  decay 'd. 
Had  not  he  call  a  powerful  circle  round. 
Which  to  a  dillance  tlae  arch  felon  fray'd 

8  4  And 


264  WEST'S     POEMS. 

And  inefFedlual  his  foul  engines  made  : 

This  v/as,  to  weet,  that  politic  command. 

Which  from  vain  travel  the  young  Spartan  flay'd, 

Ne  fufier'd  him  forfake  his  native  land. 

To  learn  deceitful  arts,  and  fcience  contraband. 

lU. 
Yet  had  the  ancient  u-orld  her  courts  and  fchools ; 
Great  kings  and  courtiers  civil  and  refin'd  ; 
Great  rabbins,  deeply  read  in  Wifdom's  rules. 
And  all  the  arts  that  cultivate  the  mind, 
Embelliih  Kfe,  and  polilh  human-kind. 
Such,  Afia,  birth-place  of  proud  m.onarchy. 
Such,  elder  -^^gypt,  in  thy  kingdoms  fhin'd, 
Myfterious  ^gvpt,  the  rank  nurfery 

Of  fuperftitions  fond,  and  learned  vanity. 
IV. 
But  what  accomplifhments,  what  arts  polite. 
Did  the  young  Spartan  want,  his  deeds  to  grace, 
Whofe  manly  virtues,  and  heroic  fpright, 
Check'd  by  no  thought  impure,  no  falfehood  bafe. 
With  natural  dignity  might  well  outface 
The  glare  of  manners  falfe,  and  mimic  pride  ? 
And  wherefore  ftiould  they  range  from  place  to  place. 
Who  to  their  country's  love  fo  firm  were  ty'd. 

All  homely  as  Ihe  was,  that  for  her  oft  they  dy'd  ? 
V. 
And  *  footh  it  is  (with  reverence  may  ye  hear. 
And  honour  due  to  paflion  fo  refin'd) 
The  ftrong  affedlion  which  true  patriots  bear 
To  their  dear  country,  zealous  is  and  blind, 

•  Truth. 

And 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.      265 

And  fond  as  is  the  love  of  womankind. 
So  that  they  may  not  her  defeds  efpy, 
Ne  other  *  paragone  may  ever  find, 
Eut  gazing  on  her  with  an  awful  eye 
And  fuperllitious  zeal,  her  learn  to  deify. 
VL 
And,  like  as  is  the  faith  unfound,  untrue. 
Of  him  who,  wandering  aye  from  fair  to  fair, 
Conceiveth  from,  each  objed;  paflion  new. 
Or  from  his  heart  quite  drives  the  troublous  care  j 
So  with  the  patriot  -lover  doth  it  fare. 
Who  through  the  world  delighting  aye  to  rove. 
His  country  changeth  with  each  change  of  air. 
Or  weening  the  delights  of  all  to  prove. 
On  none,  or  all  alike,  bellows  his  vagrant  love. 
VII. 
f  Als  doth  corruption  in  a  diftant  foil. 
With  double  force  J  alTay  the  youthful  heart, 
Expos'd  fufpeftlefs  to  the  traitor's  wile, 
Expos'd  unwarn'd  to  Pleafure's  poifon'd  dart, 
Expos'd  unpradis'd  in  the  world's  wide  mart. 
Where  each  one  lies,  impofes,  and  betrays. 
Without  a  friend  due  counfel  to  impart. 
Without  a  parent's  awe  to  rule  his  ways. 
Without  the  check  of  Ihame,  or  fpur  of  public  praife. 

•  Rival,  or  one  to  compare  with  her. 
t  Moreover,  befides.        t  Aflault. 

VIII.  For» 


a66  W  E  S  T  '  S    P  O  E  M  S. 

VIII. 

*  Forthy,  felfe  Archimago,  traytor  vile. 
Who  burnt  'gainft  Fairy-land  with  ceafelefs  ire. 
'Gan  caft  with  foreign  pleafures  to  beguile 
Her  faithful  knight,  and  quench  the  heavenly  fire  | 
That  did  his  virtuous  bofom  aye  infpire  1 
With  zeal  unfeigned  for  her  fervice  true. 

And  fend  him  forth  in  chivalrous  attire, 
Arm'd  at  all  points  adventures  to  purfue. 
And  wreak  upon  her  foes  his  vowed  vengeance  due. 

IX. 

So  as  he  journeyed  upon  the  way. 
Him  foon  the  fly  enchaunter  f  over-hent. 
Clad  like  a  fairy  knight  in  armour  gay. 
With  painted  fliield,  and  fpear  right  forward  bent. 
In  knightly  I  guife  and  fhew  of  §  hardiment. 
That  aye  prepared  was  for  bloody  fight. 
Whereat  the  ||  Elfin  knight  with  fpeeches  gent 
Him  firft  faluted,  who,  well  as  he  might. 
Him  fair  falutes  again,  as  **  feemeth  courteous  knight. 

X. 
Then  'gan  he  f  t  purpofe  frame  of  valiant  deeds 
Atchiev'd  by  foreign  knights  of  XX  prowefs  great. 
And  mighty  fame,  which  emulation  breeds 
In  virtuous  breaft,  and  kindleth  martial  heat ; 

*  Therefore,  f  Overtook.  J  Fafhion.  §  Courage. 
II  Fairy.  **  Befeemeth.  tf  Difcourfe,  or  argument., 
X1[.  Might,  valour. 

Of 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.      267 
Of  arts  and  fciences  for  warriour  *  meet. 
And  knight  that  would  iu  feats  of  arms  excel. 
Or  him,  who  f  liefer  choofmg  calm  retreat. 
With  Peace  and  gentle  Virtue  aye  would  dwell. 

Who  have  their  triumphs,  like  as  hath  Bellona  fell, 
XL 
Thefe,  as  he  faid,  befeemed  knight  to  know. 
And  all  be  they  in  Fairy-lond  y-taught. 
Where  every  art  and  all  fair  virtues  grow; 
Yet  various  climes  with  various  fruits  are  fraughlv 
And  fuch  in  one  hath  full  perfeftion  J  raught 
The  which  no  fkill  may  in  another  rear. 
So  gloz'd  th'  enchaunter  till  he  hath  him  brought 
To  a  huge  rock,  that  clomb  fo  high  in  air. 

That  from  it  he  §  uneath  the  murmuring  furge  mote  hear, 
XIL 
Thence  the  fait  wave  beyond  in  profpeft  wide 
A  fpacious  plain  the  falfe  enchaunter  fhow'd. 
With  goodly  caftles  deck'd  on  every  fide. 
And  filver  ftreams,  that  down  the  champain  flovv'd;, 
And  wafh'd  the  vineyards  that  befide  them  Hood, 
And  groves  of  myrtle ;  als  the  lamp  of  day 
His  orient  beams  dlfplay'd  withouten  cloud. 
Which  lightly  on  the  gliftening  waters  play. 

And  tinge  the  caftles,  woods,  and  hills,  with  purple  ray, 

»  Proper,  fit.    t  Rather.    %  Reach'd.    §  Hardly. 

XHL  Sa 


a6S>  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

XIIL 
So  fair  a  landfcape  charm'd  the  wondering  knight  j 
And  eke  the  breath  of  morning  frefh  and  fweet 
Infpir'd  his  jocund  fpirit  with  delight. 
And  eafe  of  heart  for  foft  perfuafion  meet. 
Then  him  the  traytor  bafe  'gan  fair  entreat. 
And  from  the  rock  as  downward  they  defcend. 
Of  that  bleft  lond  his  praifes  'gan  to  repeat, 
Tiil  he  him  moved  hath  with  him  to  *  wend ; 
So  to  the  billowy  ihore  their  hafty  march  they  bend. 

There  in  a  painted  bark  all  trim  and  gav, 
Whofe  fails  fuH  glad  embrac'd  the  wanton  wind. 
There  fat  a  ftranger  f  wight  in  quaint  array. 
That  feem'd  of  various  garbs  J  attone  combined. 
Of  Europe,  Afric,  eaft  and  weftern  Inde. 
Als  round  about  him  many  creatures  ftood. 
Of  feveral  nations  and  of  divers  kind. 
Apes,  ferpents,  birds  with  human  fpeech  endo;\''d. 
And  monfters  of  the  land,  and  wonders  of  the  liocd. 
XV. 
He  was  to  weet  a  mighty  traveller. 
Who  curiofity  thereafter  §  hight 
And  well  he  knew  each  coaft  and  harbour  fair. 
And  every  nation's  latitude  and  fite, 

•  To  go.  t  Man  or  woman.  ^  Together. 

§  Was  called. 

And 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.     269 

And  how  to  fleer  the  wandering  bark  aright. 

So  to  him  ftrait  the  falfe  encounter  bore. 

And  with  him  likewife  brought  the  red-crofs  knight: 

Then  fairly  him  befought  to  waft  them  o'er; 

Swift  flew  the  dauncing  bark,  and  reach'd  the  adverfe 
fhore. 

XVL 
There  when  they  landed  were,  them  ran  to  greet 
A  bevy  bright  of  damfels  gent  and  gay. 
Who  with  foft  fmiles,  and  falutation  fweet. 
And  courteous  violence  would  force  them  ftay. 
And  reft  them  in  their  bower  not  far  away; 
Their  bovver  that  moft  luxurioufly  was  *  dight 
With  all  the  dainties  of  air,  earth,  and  fea, 
All  that  mote  pleafe  the  tafle,  and  charm  the  fight. 

The  pleafure  of  the  board,  and  charm  of  beauty  bright. 
XVI  r. 
Als  might  he  therein  hear  a  mingled  found 
Of  feaft  and  fong  and  laughing  jollity. 
That  in  the  noife  was  all  diftinftion  drown'd 
Of  graver  fenfe,  or  muiic's  harmony. 
Yet  were  there  fome  in  that  blithe  company 
That  aptly  could  difcourfe  of  virtuous  lore. 
Of  manners,  wifdom,  and  found  policy ; 
Yet  f  nould  they  often  ope  their  facred  (lore, 

Ne  might  their  voice  be  heard  mid  riot  and  uproar. 

*  Adorned,   fet  forth.  t  Would  not. 

XVIII.  Thereto 


370  WEST'S     POEMS. 

Thereto  the  joys  of  idlenefs  and  love. 
And  luxury,  that  befots  the  noblefl:  mind. 
And  cuftom  prevalent  at  diftance  drove 
All  fenfe  and  relifn  of  a  higher  kind. 
Whereby  the  foul  to  virtue  is  re  fin 'd. 
Inftead  whereof  the  arts  of  flavery 
Were  taught,  of  flavery  perverfe  and  blind. 
That  vainly  boafls  her  native  liberty. 
Yet  wears  the  chains  of  pride,  of  luft,  and  gluttony. 

XIX, 
Of  which  the  red-crofs  knight  right  well  aware. 
Would  in  no  wife  agree  with  them  to  go. 
Albeit  with  courtly  glee  their  leader  fair, 
*  Hight  PolitefTa,  him  did  kindly  woo. 
But  all  was  falfe  pretence,  and  hollow  fliow, 
■  Palfe  as  the  flowers  which  to  their  breafls  they  ty'd, 
jOr  thofe  which  feemed  in  their  cheeks  to  glow. 
For  both  were  falfe,  and  not  by  Nature  dy'd, 
Falfe  rivals  of  the  fpring,  and  beauty's  rofy  pride. 

XX. 

Then  from  behind  them  ftraightway  'gan  advaunce 

An  uncouth  ilripling  quaintly  habited. 

As  for  fome  revel  mafk,  or  antic  daunce. 

All  chequer 'd  o'er  with  yellow,  blue,  and  red; 

Ah  in  a  vizor  black  he  ihrouds  his  head, 

*  Called. 

The 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.      271 

The  which  he  tofled  to  and  fro  amain. 
And  t  eft  his  lathy  falchion  brandiflied. 
As  if  he  meant  fierce  battle  to  J  darrain. 

And  like  a  wanton  ape  eft  flcip'd  he  on  the  plain. 
XXL 
And  eft  about  him  fkip'd  a  gaudy  throng 
Of  youthful  gallants,  frolic,  trim,  and  gay. 
Chanting  in  carelefs  notes  their  amorous  foug, 
Match'd  with  like  carelefs  guefts,  like  amorous  play. 
Als  were  they  gorgeous,  drefs'd  in  rich  array. 
And  well  accepted  of  that  female  train, 
Whofe  hearts  to  joy  and  mirth  devoted  aye. 
Each  proffer 'd  love  receive  without  difdain. 

And  part  without  regret  from  each  late  favour'd  fwaint 
XXIL 
And  now  they  do  accord  in  wanton  daunce 
To  join  their  hands  upon  the  flowery  plain ; 
The  whiles  with  amorous  leer  and  eyes  afkaunce 
Each  damfel  fires  with  love  her  glowing  fwain; 
Till,  all  impatient  of  the  tickling  pain. 
In  fudden  laughter  forth  at  once  they  break. 
And  ending  fo  their  daunce,  each  tender  twain 
To  fl\ady  bowers  forthwith  themfelves  betake. 

Peep  hid  in  myrtle  groves,  befide  a  filver  lake. 
XXIII. 
Thereat  the  red-crofs  knight  was  much  enmov'd. 
And  'gan  his  heart  with  indignation  fwell. 
To  view  in  forms  fo  made  to  be  belov'd, 
Ne  faith,  ne  truth,  ne  heavenly  virtue  dwell  j 

t  Often.  1  Attempt. 

But 


272  W  E  S  T  *  S     P  O  E  M  S. 

But  luft  inftead,  and  falfehood,  child  of  hell; 
And  glutton  floth,  and  love  of  gay  attire : 
And  footh  to  fay,  ihem  well  could  parallel 
Their  lufty  *  paramours  in  vain  defire; 

Well  fitted  to  each  dame  was  every  gallant  fquire. 
XXIV. 
Yet  when  their  fovereign  calls  them  forth  to  arms. 
Their  fovereign,  whofe  f  behefts  they  mofl:  revere. 
Right  wifely  can  they  menage  war's  alarms. 
And  wield  with  valour  great  the  martial  fpear. 
So  that  their  name  is  dreaded  far  and  near. 
Oh !   that  for  liberty  they  fo  did  fight ! 
Then  need  not  fairy-land  their  prowefs  fear, 
Ne  give  in  charge  to  her  adventurous  knight 

Their  friendlhip  to  beware,  and  fenfe -deluding  fleight. 
XXV. 
But  not  for  liberty  they  wagen  war, 
Bvt  folely  to  %  aggrate  their  mighty  lord. 
For  whom  their  deareft  blood  they  1|  nillen  fpare. 
When  fo  him  lifteth  draw  the  conquering  fword ; 
So  is  that  idol  vain  of  them  ador'd. 
Who  ne  with  might  beyond  his  meaneft  thrall 
Endued,  ne  with  fuperior  wifdom  ftor'd. 
Sees  at  his  feet  proflrated  millions  fall. 

And  with  religious  dread  obey  his  princely  call. 
XXVI. 
Thereto  fo  high  and  ftately  was  his  port. 
That  all  the  petty  kings  him  fore  envy'd. 
And  would  him  imitate  in  any  fort. 
With  all  the  mimic  pageantry  of  pride, 

♦  Lovers,       f  Commands,      t  Pleafe.      ||  Will  nof. 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.     273 

And  worfhip'd  be  like  him,  and  deify'd. 
Of  courtly  fycophants  and  *  caitifs  vile. 
Who  to  thofe  fervices  themfelves  apply'd. 
And  in  that  fchool  of  fervitude  erewhile 

Had  learn'd  to  bow,  and  grin,  and  flatter,  and  beguilcv 
XXVII. 
For  to  that  feminary  of  fafhions  vain 
The  rich  and  noble  from  all  parts  repair. 
Where  grown  enamour'd  of  the  gaudy  train. 
And,,  courteous  haviour  gent  and  debonair. 
They  cait  to  imitate  fuch  femblaunce  fair ; 
And,  deeming  meanly  of  their  native  lond. 
Their  own  rough  virtues  they  difdain  to  wear. 
And  back  returning  dreft  by  foreign  hond, 

Ne  other  matter  care,  ne  other  underftond. 
XXVIIL 
Wherefore  th'  enchaunter  vile,  who  fore  was  griev'd 
To  fee  the  knight  rejeft  thofe  damfels  gay. 
Wherewith  he  thought  him  fure  to  have  deceiv'd. 
Was  minded  to  that  court  him  to  convey. 
And  daze  his  eyen  with  majefly's  bright  ray : 
vSo  to  a  ftately  caftle  he  him  brought. 
Which  in  the  midil  of  a  great  garden  lay. 
And  wifely  was  by  cunning  craftsmen  wrought, 

And  with  all  riches  deck'd  furpalfmg  human  thought. 
XXIX. 
There  underneath  a  fumptuous  canopy, 
That  with  bright  ore  and  diamonds  glitter'd  far. 
Sate  the  fwoln  form  of  royal  f  furquedry. 
And  deem'd  itfelf  |  allgates  fome  creature  rare, 

■*  f'coiindrels.     f  Pride,    t  By  all  means,  omnino. 
\'oi,.  LVII.  '  '■J^  While 


274  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S- 

While  its  own  haughty  Hate  it  mote  compare 
With  the  bafe  countenance  of  the  vaflal  fry. 
That  feem'd  to  have  nor  eye,  nor  tongue,  nor  ear; 
Ne  any  fenfe,  ne  any  faculty. 
That  did  not  to  his  throne  owe  fervile  miniflry. 

XXX. 
Yet  wifl:  he  not  that  half  that  homage  low 
Was  at  a  wizard's  fhrine  in  private  pay'd. 
The  which  condudled  all  that  goodly  fhow. 
And  as  he  lift  th'  imperial  puppet  play'd. 
By  fecret  fprings  and  wheels  right  wifely  made. 
That  he  the  fubtle  wires  mote  not  *  avize. 
But  deem  in  footh  that  all  he  did  or  faid. 
From  his  own  motion  and  free  grace  did  rife. 
And  that  he  juftly  hight  immortal,  great,  and  wife. 

XXXI. 
And  eke  to  each  of  that  fame  gilded  train. 
That  meekly  round  that  lordly  throne  did  ftand. 
Was  by  that  wizard  ty'd  a  magic  chain. 
Whereby  their  adtions  all  he  mote  command. 
And  rule  with  hidden  influence  the  land. 
Yet  to  his  lord  he  outwardly  did  bend. 
And  thofe  fame  magic  chains  within  his  hand 
Did  feem  to  place,  albeit  by  the  end 
He  held  them  faft,  that  none  them  from  his  gripe  mote 
rend. 

•  Dilcovcr,  perceive. 

XXXII.  He 


ON  THE  ABUSE  Of  TRAVELLING.    275 

XXXIL 
He  was  to  weet  an  old  and  wrinkled  mage. 
Deep  read  in  all  the  arts  of  policy. 
And  from  experience  grown  fo  crafty  fage. 
That  none  his  fecret  counfels  mote  defcry, 
Ne  fcarch  the  mines  of  his  deep  fubtlety. 
Thereto  fair  peace  he  lov'd  and  cherifhed  ; 
And  traffic  did  promote  and  induitry. 
Whereby  the  vulgar  were  in  quiet  fed. 

And  the  proud  lords  in  eafe  and  plenty  wallowed. 
XXXHL 
Thence  all  the  gorgeous  fplendor  of  the  court, 
*  Sith  the  fole  bufmefs  of  the  rich  and  great. 
Was  to  that  hope-built  temple  to  refort. 
And  round  their  earthly  god  in  glory  wait, 
Who,  with  their  pride  to  fwell  his  royal  ftate, 
Did  pour  large  fums  of  gold  on  every  one. 
Brought  him  by  harpies  fell,  him  to  aggrate. 
And  torn  from  peafants  vile,  beneath  the  throne 

Who  lay  deep  funk  in  earth,  and  inwardly  did  groan. 
XXXIV. 
Behold,  fays  Archimage,  the  envy'd  height 
Of  human  grandeur  to  the  gods  ally'd  ! 
Behold  yon  fun  of  power,  whofe  glorious  light. 
O'er  this  rejoicing  land  out-beaming  wide. 
Calls  up  thofe  princely  flowers  on  every  fide; 
Which  like  the  painted  daughters  of  the  plain 
Ne  toil,  ne  fpin,  ne  ftain  their  filken  pride 
With  care,  or  forrow,  fith  withouten  pain. 

Them  in  eternal  joy  thofe  heavenly  beams  maintain. 
*  Since. 

T2  XXXV.  Them 


276  WEST'S     POEMS. 

XXXV. 
Them  morn  and  evening  joy  eternal  greets. 
And  for  them  thoufands  and  ten  thoufands  *  moil. 
Gathering  from  land  and  ocean  honied  fweets 
For  them,  who  in  foft  indolence  the  while 
And  numbering  peace  enjoy  the  lufcious  fpoil ; 
And  as  they  view  around  the  careful  bees 
f  Forefpent  with  labour  andincefTant  toil. 
With  the  fweet  contraft  learn  themfelves  to  pleafe. 

And  heighten  by  compare  the  luxury  of  eafe. 
XXXVI. 
Ungenerous  man,  quoth  then  the  fairy  knight. 
That  can  rejoice  to  fee  another's  woe  ! 
And  thou,  unworthy  of  that  glory  bright. 
Wherewith  the  gods  have  deck'd  thy  princely  brow. 
That  doth  on  floth  and  gluttony  bellow 
The  hard-earn'd  fruits  of  induflry  and  pain. 
And  to  the  dogs  the  labourer's  morfel  throw. 
Unmindful  of  the  hand  that  fow'd  the  grain. 

The  poor  earth- trodden  root  of  all  thy  greatnefs  vain. 
XXXVII. 
Oh  foul  abufe  of  facred  majefly. 
That  boafleth  her  fair  felf  from  heaven  y-fprong  ! 
Where  are  the  marks  of  thy  divinity  ? 
Truth,  mercy,  juftice  lleady,  bold  and  ftrong. 
To  aid  the  meek,  and  curb  oppreflive  wrong  ? 
Where  is  the  care  and  love  of  public  good. 
That  to  the  people's  father  doth  belong  ? 
Where  the  vice-gerent  of  that  bounteous  God, 

Who  bids  difpenfe  to  all,  what  he  for  all  beftow'd  ? 
•  Work  hard.        t  Quite  fpent. 

XXXVIII.  Dwell'H 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.     277 

XXXVIIL 
Dwell'ft  thou  not  rather,  like  the  prince  of  hell. 
In  Pandemonium  full  of  ugly  fiends  ? 
Diffimulation,  difcord,  malice  fell, 
Reclclefs  ambition,  that  right  onward  *  wends. 
Though  his  wild  march  o'erthrow  both  fame  and 

friends. 
And  virtue  and  his  country  ;  crooked  guile. 
Obliquely  creeping  to  his  treacherous  ends. 
And  flattery,  curs'd  aflaiTni,  who  the  while 
He  holds  the  murderous  knife,  can  fawn,  and  kifs,  and 
fmile. 

XXXIX. 
Then  'gan  he  ftrait  unvail  the  mirrour  bright. 
The  which  fair  f  Una  gave  him  heretofore. 
Ere  he  as  yet,  with  J  Paynim  foe  to  fight. 
For  foreign  land  had  left  his  native  Ihore. 
This  in  his  careful  breaft  he  always  bore. 
And  on  it  oft  would  call  his  wary  eye  ; 
For  it  by  magic  framed  was  of  yore. 
So  that  no  falfhood  mote  it  well  abye. 
But  it  was  plainly  feen,  or  fearfully  did  fly. 
XL. 
This  on  that  gay  aflembly  did  he  turn. 
And  faw  confounded  quite  the  gaudy  fcene ; 
Saw  the  clofe  fire  that  inwardly  did  burn. 
And  wafte  the  throbbing  heart  with  fecret  |]  teen; 

*  Goes. 

•f-  Una  in  Spcnfer  reprefents  Truth,  fee  B.  i.  Fairy  Queen. 
X  Heathen,  the  ufual  enemy  of  Knight-errants  in  Spenfer. 
II  Pain,  anguiih. 

T  3  Saw 


278  WEST'S     POEMS, 

Saw  bafe  dependence  in  the  haughty  mien 
Of  lords  and  princes ;  faw  the  magic  chain 
That  each  did  wear,  but  deem'd  he  wore  unfeen. 
The  whiles  with  count'naunce  glad  he  hid  his  pain. 

Arid  homage  did  require  from  each  poor  lowly  fvvain. 
XLL 
And  though  to  tliat  old  mage  they  louted  down^ 
Yet  did  they  dearly  wi(h  for  his  decay  : 
AIs  trembled  he,  and  aye  upon  the  throne 
Of  his  great  lord  his  tottering  fteps  did  llay. 
And  oft  behind  him  fkulk'd  for  great  difmay  ;. 
AIs  Ihook  the  throne,  when  fo  the  villain  crew , 
That  underneath  opprefs'd  and  groveling  lay. 
Impatient  of  the  grievous  burthen  grev.-. 

And  loudly  for  redrefs  and  liberty  did  fue. 
XLII. 
There  mote  he  likewife  fee  a  ribbald'  train 
Of  dancers,  broiderers,  flaves  of  luxury. 
Who  call  o'er  all  thofe  lords  and  ladies  vain 
A  veU  of  femblaunce  fair,  and  richeft  dye. 
That  none  their  inward  bafenefs  mote  defcry. 
But  nought  was  hidden  from  that  mirrour  bright. 
Which  when  falfe  Archimago  'gan  efpy. 
He  feared  for  himfelf,   and  warn'd  the  knight 

From  fo  detefted  place  to  maken  fpeedy  flight. 
XLIII. 
So  on  he  palTed,  till  he  comen  halh 
To  a  fmall  river,  that  full  flow  did  glide. 
As  it  uneath  mote  find  its  watry  path 
For  Hones  and  rubbifn,  that  did  choak  its  tide, 


So 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.    279 

So  lay  the  mouldering  piles  on  every  fide, 
Seem'd  there  a  goodly  city  once  had  been. 
Albeit  now  fallen  were  her  royal  pride. 
Yet  mote  her  auncient  greatnefs  ftill  be  feen. 
Still  from  her  ruins  prov'd  the  world's  imperial  queen. 
XLLV. 
For  the  rich  fpoil  of  all  the  continents. 
The  boail  of  art  and  nature  there  was  brought, 
Corinthian  brafs,  Egyptian  monuments. 
With  hieroglyphic  fculptures  all  inwrought. 
And  Parian  marbles,  by  Greek  artifts  taught 
I'o  counterfeit  the  forms  of  heroes  old. 
And  fet  before  the  eye  of  fober  thought 
Lycurgus,  Homer,  and  Alcides  bold. 
All  thefe  and  many  more  that  may  not  here  be  told, 
XLV, 
There  in  the  middeft  of  a  ruin'd  pile,- 
That  feem'd  a  theatre  of  circuit  vaft. 
Where  thoufands  might  be  feated,  he  erewhile- 
Difcaver'd  hath  an  uncouth  trophy  plac'd ; 
Seem'd  a  huge  heap  of  ftone  together  caft 
In  nice  diforder  and  wild  fymmetry. 
Urns,  broken  freezes,  ftatues  half  defac'd,. 
And  pedeilals  with  antique  imagery 
Embofs'd,  and  pillars  huge  of  coftly  porphyry,  ■ 
XL  VI. 
Aloft  on  this  ftrange  bafis  was  *  ypight 
With  girlonds  gay  adorn'd  a  golden  chair. 
In  which  aye  fmiling  with  felf-bred  delight,, 
In  carelefs  pride  reclin'd  a  lady  fair, 
•  Placed.. 

T  4.  Aud 


38o 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


And  to  foft  mufic  lent  her  idle  ear  ; 
The  which  with  pleafure  fo  did  her  enthral. 
That  for  aught  elfe  fhe  had  but  little  care. 
For  wealth,  or  fame,  or  honour  feminal. 

Or  gentle  love,  fole  king  of  picafures  natural, 
XLVII. 
ALs  by  her  fide,  in  richeft  robes  array'd. 
An  eunuch  fate,  of  vifage  pale  and  dead, 
Unfeemly  paramour  for  royal  maid  ! 
Yet  him  (he  courted  oft  and  honoured. 
And  oft  would  by  her  place  in  princely  *  lied. 
Though  from  the  dregs  of  earth  he  fpringen  were. 
And  oft  with  regal  crowns  ihe  deck'd  his  head. 
And  oft,  to  footh  her  vain  and  foolifh  ear. 

She  bade  him  the  great  names  of  mighty  f  Kefars  bear. 
XLVIIL 
Thereto  herfelf  a  pompous  title  bore. 
For  Ihe  was  vain  of  her  great  aunceliry. 
But  vainer  ftiU  of  that  prodigious  ftore 
Of  arts  and  learning,  which  flie  vamats  to  lie 
In  the  rich  archives  of  her  treafury. 
Thefe  fhe  to  flrangers  oftentimes  would  Ihew, 
With  grave  demean  and  folemn  vanity. 
Then  proudly  claim  as  to  her  merit  due. 

The  venerable  praife  and  title  of  Vertu. 
XLIX. 
Vertu  {he  was  J  yclept,  and  held  her  court 
With  outward  fhews  of  pomp  and  majelly. 
To  which  nathelefs  few  others  did  refort. 
But  men  of  bafe  and  vulgar  indullry. 
*  Seat  or  place.     1  Emperors,     t  Called  or  named. 

Or 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.      281 

Or  fuch  perdy  as  of  them  cozen'd  be. 

Mimes,  lidlers,  pipers,  eunuchs  fqueaking  fine. 

Painters  and  builders,  fons  of  mafonry. 

Who  well  could  meafure  with  the  rule  and  line. 

And  all  the  orders  five  right  craftily  define. 
L. 
But  other  fkill  of  cunning  archited. 
How  to  contrive  the  houfe  for  dwelling  beft. 
With  felf-fufficient  fcorn  they  wont  negledl. 
As  correfponding  with  their  purpofe  leaft; 
And  herein  be  they  copied  of  the  reft. 
Who  aye  pretending  love  of  fcience  fair. 
And  generous  purpofe  to  adorn  the  breaft 
With  liberal  arts,  to  Vertu's  court  repair. 

Yet  nought  but  tunes  and  names,  and  coins  away  do  beai'a 
LL 
For  long,  to  vifit  her  once-honour'd  feat 
The  ftudions  fons  of  learning  have  forbore: 
Who  whilom  thither  ran  with  pilgrim  feet 
Her  venerable  reliques  to  adore 
And  load  their  bofom  with  the  facred  ilcre. 
Whereof  the  world  large  treafure  yet  enjoys. 
But  *  fithence  (he  declin'd  from  wifdom's  lore. 
They  left  her  to  difplay  her  pompous  toys 

To  virtuofi  <ain,  and  wonder-gaping  boys. 
LIL 
Forthy  to  her  a  numerous  train  doth  f  long 
Of  ulhers  in  her  court  well  pradlifed. 
Who  aye  about  the  monied  ftranger  throng. 
Offering  with  fhews  of  courteous  %  bountihed 
*  Since,    t  Belong.     %  Good-nature  or  civility. 

Him 


a8z  WEST'S     POEMS. 

Him  through  the  rich  apartments  all  to  lead. 
And  fhew  him  all  the  wonders  of  her  ftate, 
Whofe  names  and  price  they  wifely  can  *  areed, 
A»d  tell  of  coins  of  old  and  modern  date. 

And  pictures  falfe  and  true  right  well  difcriminate. 
LIII. 
Als  are  they  named  after  him,  whofe  tongue 
Shook  the  dictator  in  his  curule  chair. 
And  thundering  through  the  Roman  fenate,  rung 
His  bold  Philippicks  in  Antonius'  ear  ; 
Which  when  the  Fairy  heard,  he  figh'd  full  dear. 
And,  calling  round  his  quick  difceming  eye. 
At  every  f  deal  he  dropt  a  manly  tear. 
As  he  the  llately  buildings  mote  defcry. 

Baths,  theatres,  and  fanes,  in  mouldering  fragments  lie. 
LIV. 
And,  oh !  imperial  city  !   then  he  faid. 
How  art  thou  tumbled  from  thine  Alpine  throne  ! 
Whereon,  like  Jove  on  high  Olympus'  head. 
Thou  fittedft  erft  unequaPd  and  alone. 
And  madeft  through  the  world  thy  greatnefs  known  : 
WhUe  from  the  weftern  ifles,  to  Indus'  fnore. 
From:  feven-mouth'd  NIlus,  to  the  frozen  Don, 
Thy  dradded  bolts  the  ftrong-pounc'd  eagle  bore. 

And  taught  the  nations  round  thy  fafces  to  adore. 

*  Relate  or  declare.  Thefe  under  fort  of  antiquaries, 
who  go  about  with  ftrangers  to  ftiew  them  the  anti- 
quities, &c  .  of  Rome,  are  called  Ciceroni. 

t  At  every  turn,  every  now  and  then. 

LV.  A-.d 


ON  THE  ABUSE  OF  TRAVELLING.      285 

LV. 

And  doth  among  thy  reliques  nought  remain. 
No  little  portion  of  that  haughty  fpright. 
Which  made  thee  whilom  fcorn  foft  Pleafure's  chain. 
And  in  free  Virtue  place  thy  chief  delight. 
Whereby  through  ages  (hone  thy  glory  bright  ? 
And  is  there  nought  remaining  to  confound 
Thofe  who,  regardlefs  of  thy  woeful  plight. 
With  idle  wonder  view  thy  ruins  round. 

And  without  thought  furvey  thy  memorable  wound  ? 
LVL 
Arife,  thou  genuine  Cicero,  and  declare 
That  all  thefe  mighty  ruins  fcatter''d  wide 
The  fepulchres  of  Roman  virtue  were. 
And  trophies  vaft  of  luxury  and  pride, 
Thofe  fell  difeafes  whereof  Rome  eril  dy'd.. 
And  do  you  then  with  vile  mechanic  thought 
Your  courfe,  ye  fons  of  Fairy,  hither  guide. 
That  ye  thofe  gay  refinements  may  be  taught. 

Which  liberty's  fair  lond  to  Ihame  and  thraldom  brought? 

Lvn. 

Let  Rome  thofe  vaffal  arts  now  meanly  boaft. 
Which  to  her  vanquifn'd  thralls  fhe  eril  refign'dj 
Ye  who  enjoy  that  freedom  flie  has  loft. 
That  great  prerogative  of  human-kind, 
Clofe  to  your  hearts  the  precious  jewel  bind. 
And  learn  the  rich  pofleiTion  to  maintain. 
Learn  virtue,  juftice,  conftancy  of  mind. 
Not  to  be  mov'd  by  fear  or  pleafure's  train; 
Be  thefe  your  arts,  ye  brave;  thefe  only  are  humane, 

LVin.  As 


zH 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


LVIII. 
As  he  thus  fpake,  th'  enchaunter  half  afham'd 
Wift  not  what  fitting  anfvver  to  devife, 
Als  was  his  caitive  heart  well-nigh  inflam'd. 
By  that  fame  knight  fo  virtuous^  brave,  and  wife. 
That  long  he  doubts  him  farther  to  entice. 
But  he  was  harden'd  and  remorfelefs  grown. 
Through  pradice  old  of  villainy  and  vice; 
So  to  his  former  wiles  he  turns  him  foon, 
As  in  another  place  hereafter  fhall  be  Ihown. 


E  D  U  C  A^ 


[    285     3 

EDUCATION. 
A        POEM: 

Written  in  Imitation  of  the  Style  and  Manner  of 

SPENSER'S    FAIRY    QU  E  E  N. 

INSCRIBED   TO    LADY    LANGHAM, 
Widow  of  Sir    John   Lang  ham.  Baronet. 

«  Unum  ftudium  vere  liberale  eft,  quod  liberum  facit. 
"  Hoc  fapientia;  ftudium  eft,  fublime,  forte,  mag- 
"  nanimum :  castera  pufilla  &  puerilia  funt. — Plus 
"  fcire  velle  quam  fit  fatis  intemperantiae  genus  eft. 
"  Quid,  quod  ifta  liberalium  artium  confeftatio 
"  moleftos,  verbofos,  intempeftivos,  fibi  placentes 
"  facit,  &  ideo  non  dicentes  neceffaria,  quia  fu- 
"  pervacua  didicerunt."  Sen.  Ep.  88, 

jr\  GOODLY  difcipline  !  from  heaven  y-fprong  ! 

Parent  of  Science,  queen  of  Arts  refin'd  ! 
To  whom  the  Graces,  and  the  Nine  belong : 
O  !  bid  thofe  Graces,  in  fair  chorus  join'd 

With 


28^6         WEST'S     POEMS. 

With  each  bright  virtue  that  adorns  the  mind ! 

0  bid  the  Mufes,  thine  harmonious  train. 
Who  by  thy  aid  erft  humaniz'd  mankind, 
InTpire,  direfl,  and  moralize  the  ftrain. 

That  doth  eflay  to  teach  thy  treafures  how  to  gain ! 
And  thou,  whofe  pious  and  maternal  care. 
The  fubftitute  of  heavenly  Providence, 
With  tendereft  love  my  orphan  life  did  rear. 
And  train  me  up  to  manly  ftrength  and  fenfe ; 
With  mildeft  awe,  and  virtuous  influence. 
Directing  my  unpraftis'd  wayward  feet 
To  the  fmooth  walks  of  Truth  and  Innocence ; 
Where  Happinefs  heart-felt.  Contentment  fwect, 

Phllofophy  divine,  aye  hold  their  blefl  retreat. 

Thou,  moftbelov'd,  mofl  honour'd,  moll  rever''d ! 

Accept  this  verfe,  to  thy  large  merit  due  ! 

And  blame  me  not,  if,  by  each  tye  endear'd. 

Of  nature,  gratitude,  and  friendfliip  true. 

The  whiles  this  moral  thefis  I  purfue. 

And  trace  the  plan  of  goodly  *  Nurture  o'er, 

1  bring  thy  modell  virtues  into  view ; 

And  proudly  boaft  that  from  thy  precious  ftore. 
Which  erft  enrich'd  my  heart,  I  drew  this  facred  lore. 
And  thus,  I  ween,  thus  fhall  I  beft  repay 
The  valued  gifts,  thy  careful  love  beftow'dj 
If,  imitating  thee,  well  as  1  may, 
I  labour  to  difFufe  th'  important  good. 


*  Nurture,  Education. 


Till 


EDUCATION.  2«7 

Till  this  great  truth  by  all  be  underftood, 

■*'  That  all  the  pious  duties  which  we  owe, 

"  Our  parents,  friends,  our  country  and  our  God ; 

"  The  feeds  of  every  virtue  here  below. 

From  difcipline  alone,  and  early  culture,  grow." 


CANTO      I 


The  Knight,  as  to  *  Pasdia's  houfe 

He  his  young  fon  conveys. 
Is  ftaid  by  Cuftom;  with  him  fights. 

And  his  vain  pride  difdays. 

I. 

A    Gentle  Knight  there  was,  whofe  noble  deeds 
"*^^  O'er  Fairy  land  by  Fame  were  blazon'd  round; 
For  warlike  enterprize,  and  fage  f  areeds 
Among  the  chief  alike  was  he  renown'd; 
Whence  with  the  marks  of  higheft  honours  crown'd 
By  Gloriana,  in  domeftic  peace. 
That  port,  to  which  the  wife  are  ever  bound. 
He  anchor'd  was,  and  chang'd  the  toffing  feas 
Of  buttling  bufy  life,  for  calm  fequefter'd  eafe. 

•  Paedia  is  a  Greek  word,  fignifylng  education. 
J  Areeds,  counfels. 

II.  There 


288  W  E  S  T  '  S      P  O  E  M  S.  j 

.       .  .  "■.  i 

There  in  domeftic  virtue  rich  and  great 
As  erft  in  public,  'mid  his  wide  domain. 
Long  in  primieval  patriarchal  ilate. 
The  lord,  the  judge,  the  father  of  the  plain. 
He  dwelt ;  and  with  him,  in  the  golden  chain 
Of  wedded  faith  y-link'd,  a  matron  fage 
Aye  dwelt ;  fweet  partner  of  his  joy  and  pain, 
Sweet  charmer  of  his  youth,  friend  of  his  age, 
Skill'd  to  improve  his  blifs,  his  forrows  to  affuage. 
III. 
From  this  fair  union,  not  of  fordid  gain. 
But  merit  fimilar  and  mutual  love. 
True  fource  of  lineal  virtue,  fprung  a  train 
Of  youths  and  virgins  ;  like  the  beauteous  grove. 
Which  round  the  temple  of  Olympick  Jove, 
Begirt  with  youthful  bloom  the  *  parent  tree. 
The  facred  olive ;  whence  old  Elis  wove 
Her  verdant  crowns  of  peaceful  victory. 
The  f  guerdons  of  bold  ftrength  and  fwift  adivity, 

IV. 
So  round  their  noble  parents  goodly  rofe 
Thefe  generous  fcyons :  they  with  watchful  care 
Still,  as  the  fwelling  paffions  'gan  difclofe 
The  buds  of  future  virtues,  did  prepare 

*  Parent  tree,  the  facred  olive.']  This  tree  grew  In 
the  Altis,  or  facred  grove  of  Olympick  Jupiter  at  Olympia, 
having,  as  the  Eleans  pretended,  been  originally  planted 
there  by  Hercules.  It  was  elteemed  facred,  and  from  that 
vere  taken  the  Olympick  crowns, 

I  Guerdons,  rewards. 

With 


EDUCATION.        289 

With  prudent  culture  the  young  flioots  to  rear : 

And  aye  in  this  endearing  pious  toil 

They  by  a  *  palmer  fage  inftruded  were. 

Who  from  deep  thought  and  ftudious  fearch  erewhile 

Had  learnt  to  mend  the  heart,  and  till  the  human  foil, 
V. 
For  by  celeflial  Wifdom  whilom  led 
Through  all  th'  apartments  of  th'  immortal  mind. 
He  view'd  the  fecret  flores,  and  mark'd  the  f  fted 
To  judgment,  wit,  and  memory  affign'd; 
And  how  fenfation  and  refledlion  join'd 
To  fill  with  images  her  darkfome  grotte. 
Where,  varioufly  disjointed  or  combin'd. 
As  reafon,  fancy,  or  opinion  wrought. 

Their  vario.us  mafks  they  play'd,  and  fed  her  penfive 
thought. 

VI. 
X  Alfe  through  the  fields  of  Science  had  he  ftray'd 
With  eager  fearch,  and  fent  his  piercing  eye 
Through  each  learn'd  fchool,  each  phllofophic  fliade. 
Where  Truth  and  Virtue  erft  were  deem'd  to  lie ; 
'If  haply  the  fair  vagrants  he  §  mote  fpy. 
Or  hear  the  mufic  of  their  charming  lore  : 
But  all  unable  there  to  fatisfy 
His  curious  foul,  he  turn'd  him  to  explore 

The  facred  writ  of  Faith ;  to  learn,  believe,  adore. 

*  Palmer,  pilgrim.     The  perfon  here  fignified  is  Mr. 
Locke,  charaderized  by  his  works, 
t  Sted,    place,    ftation.  J  Alfe,   alfo,   further. 

§  Mote,  might. 

^"0L.  LVII.  U  VII.  Thence 


tgo         '  W  E  S^  r  "^  S  /  P  O  E  -M' s. 

■  VII. 
Thence  foe  profefsM  of  Falfhood  ana  Deceit, 
Thofe  fly  artificers  of  tyranny, 
♦  Aye  holding  up  before  uncertain  feet 
His  faithful  light  to  Knowledge,  Liberty, 
Mankind  he  led,  to  civil  policy. 
And  mild  Religion's  charitable  law ; 
That,  fram'd  by  Mercy  and  Benignity 
The  perfecuting  fword  forbids  to  draw. 
And  free-created  fouls  with  penal  terrours  a\ve> 

VIII. 
f  Ne  with  the  glorious  gifts  elate  and  vain 
Lock'd  he  his  wifdom  up  in  churlifh  pride ; 
But,  Hooping  from  his  height,  would  even  deign 
The  feeble  fteps  of  Infancy  to  guide. 
Eternal  glory  him  therefore  betide. 
Let  every  generous  youth  his  praife  proclaim ; 
Who,  wandering  through  the  world's  rude  forefl 

wide. 
By  him  hath  been  y-taught  his  courfe  to  frame 
To  Virtue's  fweet  abodes,  and  heaven-afpiring  Fame  ! 

JX. 

For  this  the  Fairy  Knight  with  anxious  thought. 
And  fond  paternal  care,  his  counfel  pray'd; 
And  him  of  gentlefl  courtefy  befought 
His  guidance  to  vouchfafe  and  friendly  aid  ; 


*  Aye,  ever.  f  Ne,  nor. 


The 


EDUCATION. 


29) 


The  while  his  tender  offspring  he  convey'd. 
Through  devious  paths  to  that  fecure  retreat ; 
Where  fage  Pajdia,  with  each  tuneful  maid. 
On  a  wide  mount  had  fix'd  her  rural  feat, 
*Mid  flowery  gardens  plac'd,  untrod  by  vulgar  feet- 

X. 

And  now  forth-pacing  with  his  blooming  heir. 
And  that  fame  virtuous  palmer  them  to  guide ; 
Arm'd  all  to  point,  and  on  a  courfer  fair 
Y-mounted  high,  in  military  pride. 
His  little  train  before  he  flow  did  ride. 
Him  eke  behind  a  gentle  fquire  *  enfues. 
With  his  young  lord  aye  marching  fide  by  fide. 
His  counfellour  and  guard,  in  goodly  f  thews. 

Who  well  had  been  brought  up,  and  nurs'd  by  every 
Mufe. 

XL 
Thus  as  their  pleafiiig  journey  they  purfucd. 
With  chearful  argument  beguiling  pain  : 
Ere  long  defcending  from  an  hill  they  view'd 
Beneath  their  eyes  out-llretch'd  a  fpacious  plaui. 
That  fruitful  fliew'd,  and  apt  for  every  grain. 
For  palture?,  vines,  and  flowers  ;  while  Nature  fai: 
Sweet-fmiling  all  around  with  countenance  %  fain 
Seem'd  to  demand  the  tiller's  art  and  care. 

Her  wildnefs  to  corrcft,  her  lavifti  wafle  repair. 

•  Enfues,  follows.  f  Thews,  manner?. 

%  Fain,  earneff,  eager, 

T^  ?.  Xrr.  Right 


292  WEST'S     POEMS. 

XIL 

Right  good,  I  ween,  and  bounteous  was  the  foil. 

Aye  wont  in  happy  feafon  to  repay 

With  tenfold  ufury  the  peafant's  toil. 

But  now  'twas  ruin  all,  and  wild  decay; 

Untill'd  the  garden  and  the  fallow  lay. 

The  fheep  fliorne  down  with  barren  *  brakes  o'er- 

grovvn 
The  whiles  the  merry  peafants  fport  and  play. 
All  as  the  public  evil  were  unknown. 
Or  every  public  care  from  every  breall  was  flowiu 

XIII. 

Ailonifh'd  at  a  fcene  at  once  fo  fair 
And  fo  deform'd ;  with  wonder  and  delight 
At  man's  negled,  and  Nature's  bounty  rare. 
In  ftudious  thought  a  while  the  Fairy  Knight 
Bent  on  that  goodly  %  lond  his  eager  fight : 
Then  forward  rufh'd,  impatient  to  defcry 
What  towns  and  caftles  there-in  were  f  emplght; 
For  towns  him  feem'd,  and  caftles  he  did  fpy. 
As  to  th'  horizon  round  he  ftretch'd  his  roaming  eye. 

XIV. 

Nor  long  way  had  they  traveli'd,  ere  they  came 
To  a  wide  ftream,  that  with  tumultuous  roar 
Amongft  rude  rocks  its  winding  courfe  did  frame. 
Black  was  the  wave  and  fordid,  cover'd  o'er 

*  Brakes,  briars.  J  Lond,  land. 

t  Empight,  placed. 

With 


EDUCATION.        293 

With  angry  foam,  and  ftain'd  with  infants'  gore. 
Thereto  along  th'  unlovely  margin  flood 
A  birchen  grove  that,  waving  from  the  fhore. 
Aye  call  upon  the  tide  its  falling  bud. 
And  with  its  bitter  juice  empoifon'd  all  the  flood. 

XV. 

Right  in  the  centre  of  the  vale  empight. 
Not  diltant  far  a  forked  mountain  rofe ; 
In  outward  form  prefenting  to  the  fight 
That  fam'd  ParnafTian  hill,  on  whofe  fair  brows 
The  Nine  Aonian  Sifters  wont  repofe  ;- 
Lillening  to  fweet  Callalia's  founding  ftream. 
Which  through  the  plains  of  Cirrha  murmuring  flowS;, 
But  this  to  that  compar'd  mote  juftly  feem 
Ne  fitting  haunt  for  gods,  ne  worthy  man's  elleem. 

XVL 

For  this  nor  founded  deep,  nor  fpredden  wide. 
Nor  high  up-rais'd  above  the  level  plain. 
By  toiling  art  through  tedious  years  applied. 
From  various  parts  compil'd  with  ftudious  pain. 
Was  *  erll  up-thrown ;  if  fo  it  mote  attain. 
Like  that  poetic  mountain,  to  be  f  hight 
The  noble  feat  of  Learning's  goodly  train. 
Thereto,  the  more  to  captivate  the  fight. 
It  like  a  garden  fail-  moft  curioufly  was  I  dight. 


*  Erft,  formerly.  t  Hight,  called,  named. 

X  Dight,  drelt. 


XVII.  In 


294  WEST'S      POEMS, 

XVII. 

In  figur'd  plots  with  leafy  walls  inclos'd. 
By  meafure  and  by  rule  it  was  out-lay'd; 
With  fymmetry  fo  regular  difpos'd. 
That  plot  to  plot  ftill  anfwer'd,  fhade  to  (hade  ; 
Each  correfpondent  twain  alike  array'd 
With  like  embellifliments  of  plants  and  flowers. 
Of  ftatues,  vafes,  fpouting  founts,  that  play'd 
Through  Ihells  of  Tritons  their  afcending  fhowers. 
And  labyrinths  involv'd,  and  trelice-woven  bowers. 

X\TII. 
There  likewife  mote  be  feen  on  every  fide 
The  yew  obedient  to  the  planter's  will. 
And  fhapely  box  of  all  their  branching  pride 
Ungently  ihorne,  and  with  prepoflerous  fkill 
To  various  bealls  and  birds  of  fundry  quill 
Transform'd,  and  human  fhapes  of  monftrous  fize  ; 
Huge  as  that  giant-race,  who,  hill  on  hill 
High-heaping,  fought  with  impious  vain  *  emprize^ 
Defpite  of  thundering  Jove,  to  fcale  the  lleepy  fkies. 

XIX. 

Alfe  other  wonders  of  the  fportive  fhears 
Fair  Nature  mlf-adorning  there  v/ere  found : 
Globes,  fpiral  columns,  pyramids  and  piers 
With  fprouting  urns  and  budding  ftatues  crown'd  ; 

*  Emprize,  enterprlze,  attempt. 

And 


.E    D'  U    C     A    T    I    O    N.       .2p§ 

Aud  horizontal  dials  on  the  ground 
In  living  box  by  cunning  artifts  trac'd ; 
And  gallies  trim,  on  no  long  .voyage  bound. 
But  by  their  roots  there  ever  anchor'd  fail, 
*  All  were  their  bellying  fails  out-fpread  to  every  blafl. 

XX. 
O'er  all  appear'd  the  mountain's  forked  brows 
With  terralTes  on  terrailes  up-thrown; 
And  all  along  arrang'd  in  order'd  rows. 
And  villo's  broad,  the  velvet  flopes  adovvn 
The  ever-verdant  trees  of  Daphne  Ihone. 
But,  aliens  to  the  clime,  and  brought  of  old 
From  Latian  plains,  and  Grecian  Helicon, 
They  ftirunk  and  languifh'd  in  a  foreign  mold. 

By  changeful  Summers  ftarv'd,  and  pinch'd  by  Win 
ter's  cold. 

XXL 
Amid  this  verdant  grove  with  folemn  ftate. 
On  golden  thrones  of  antique  form  reclin'd. 
In  mimic  majefty  Nine  Virgins  fate. 
In  features  various,  as  unlike  in  mind : 
Alfe  boafted  they  themfelvcs  of  heavenly  kind. 
And  to  the  fweet  Parnaffian  Nymphs  allied  ; 
Thence  round  their  brows  the  Delphic  bay  they  twin'd. 
And  matching  with  high  names  their  apifn  prid-'. 

O'er  every  learned  fchool  aye  claira'd  they  to  prefide. 

•  All,  ufed  frequently  by   the   old  Englilh    Poets  for 
although. 

U  4  XXII.  la 


■zgC 


WEST'S     POEMS. 


XXII. 
In  antique  garbs  (for  modern  they  difdain'd) 
By  Greek  and  Roman  artifls  *  whilom  made. 
Of  various  woofs,  and  varioufly  diflain'd 
With  tints  of  every  hue,  were  they  array'd  j 
And  here  and  there  ambitioufly  difplay'd 
A  purple  (bred  of  fome  rich  robe,  prepar'd 
Erft  by  the  Mufes  or  th'  Aonian  Maid, 
To  deck  great  TuUius  or  the  Mantuan  Bard  ; 

Which  o'er  each  motley  veil  with  uncouth  fplendor 
glar'd, 

XXIIL 
And  well  their  outward  veilure  did  exprefs 
The  bent  and  habit  of  their  inward  mind, 
Aifefting  Wifdom's  antiquated  drefs. 
And  ufages  by  time  caft  far  behind. 
Thence,  to  the  charms  of  younger  fcience  blind. 
The  cuftoms,  laws,  the  learning,  arts  and  phrafe 
Of  their  own  countries  they  with  fcorn  declin'd  ; 
Ne  facred  truth  herfelf  would  they  embrace. 

Unwarranted,  unknown  in  their  fore-fathers'  days. 

XXIV. 
Thus  ever  backward  cafting  their  furvey  ; 
To  Rome's  old  ruins  and  the  groves  forlorn 
Of  elder  Athens,  which  in  profpecl  lay 
Stretch'd  out  beneath  the  mountain,  would  they  turn 


•  Whilcmj  formerly. 


Their 


E    D    U    C    A    T    I    O    K.  297 

Their  bufy  fearch,  and  o'er  the  rubbifli  mourn* 
Then,  gathering  up  with  fuperftitious  care 
Each  little  fcrap,  however  foul  or  torn. 
In  grave  harangues  th£y  boldy  would  declare, 
I  This  Ennius,  Varro ;  This  the  Stagarite  did.  wear, 

XXV. 

Yet,  under  names  of  venerable  found. 
While  o'er  the  world  they  ftretch'd  their  awful  rod  5 
Through  all  the  provinces  of  Learning  own'd 
For  teachers  of  whate'er  is  wife  and  good*, 
Alfe  from  each  region  to  their  *  drad  abode 
Came  youth  unnumber'd,  crowding  all  to  tafte 
The  rtreams  of  Science;  which  united  flow'd 
Adown  the  mount,  from  nine  rich  fources  call  j 
And  to  the  vale  below  in  one  rude  torrent  pafs'd^ 

XXVI. 

O'er  every  fource,  protedlrefs  of  the  ftream. 
One  of  thofe  "\'irgin  Silters  did  prefide ; 
Who,  dignifying  with  her  noble  name 
Her  proper  flood,  aye  pour'd  into  the  tide 
The  heady  vapours  of  fcholaftic  pride 
Defpotical  and  abjeft,  bold  and  blind. 
Fierce  in  debate,  and  forward  to  decide  ; 
Vain  love  of  praife,  with  adulation  join'd. 
And  difmgenuous  fcorn,  and  impotence  of  mind, 

*  Drad,  dreadfuL 

XXVIL  Ex-^ 


\g%  WE  S  T  '  S'  P  0  E'  M'S.  ' 

XXVII. 
Exten<finj,  from  the  hill  on  every  fide. 
In  circuit  vaft  a  verdant  valley  fpread; 
AcrofsAvhofe  uniform  flat  bofom  glide 
Ten  thoafand  llrcams,  in  winding  mazes  led. 
By  various  fluices  from  one  common  head ; 
A  turbid  mafs  of  waters,  vail,  profound, 
Hight  of  Philology  the  lake ;  and  fed 
^  ..  By  fhat  rude  torrent,  which  with  roaring  found 
Came   tumbling   from   the  hill,  and  flow'd  the  level 
round. 

XXVIII. 
And  ever)'  where  this  fpacious  valley  o'er. 
Fall  by  each  ftream  was  feen  a  numerous  throng- 
Of  beardlefs  Ilriplings  to  the  birch-crown'd  fhore. 
By  nurfes,  guardians,  fathers,  dragg'd  along  : 
Who,  helplefs,  meek,  and  innocent  of  wrong. 
Were  torn  jeluftant  from  the  tender  fide 
Of  their  fond  mothers,  and  by  *  faitours  ftrong. 
By  power  made  infolent,  and  hard  by  pride. 
Were  driven  with  furious  rage,  and  lafh'd  into  the  tide. 

XXIX. 
On  the  rude  bank  with  trembling  feet  they  ftood. 
And,  calling  round  their  oft-reverted  eyes. 
If  haply  they  mote  'fcape  the  hated  flood, 
Fill'd  all  the  plain  with  lamentable  cries  j 

•  Faitour,  doer,  fi-om  faire,  to  do,  and  faitj  deed,  com- 
monly ufcd-bf-Spenfer  in  a  bad  fenfe. 

But 


ED    U    C    A    T    I    O    N.  2Tj{| 

But  far  away  th'  unheeding  father  flies, 
Conftrain'd  his  ftrong  compunftions  to  reprefs ; 
While  clofe  behind,  affuming  the  difguife 
Of  nurturing  care,  and  fmiling  tendernefs. 
With  fecret  fcourges  arm'd,  thofe  griefly  faitours  prefs. 

XXX. 
As  on  the  fteepy  margin  of  a  brook. 
When  the  young  fun  with  flowery  Maia  rides : 
With  innocent  difmay  a  bleating  flock 
Crowd  back,  affrighted  at  the  rolling  tides : 
The  ftiepherd-fwain  at  firH  exhorting  chides 
Their  *  feely  fear ;  at  length  impatient  grown, 
,    With  his  rude  crook  he  wounds  their  tender  fides ; 
,   And,  all  regaxdlefs  of  their  piteous  moan. 
Into  the  dafliing  wave  compels  them  furious  down. 

XXXI. 
Thus  urg'd  by  maflering  fear  and  dolorous  f  teea 
Into  the  current  plung'd  that  infant  crowd. 
Right  piteous  was  the  fpeftacle,  I  ween. 
Of  tender  ftriplings  ftain'd  with  tears  and  blood. 
Perforce  conflifting  with  the  bitter  flood ; 
And  labouring  to  attain  the  diftant  fliore. 
Where  holding  forth  the  gown  of  manhood  ftood 
The  fyren  Liberty,  and  ever-more 
Solicited  their  hearts  with  her  inchanting  lore. 
*  Seely,  fimple.  T  Teen,  pain,  grief. 

XXXII.  Irk- 


3o»  W  E  S  T  ^  S     P  O  E  M  S, 

XXXII. 
Irkfome  and  long  the  paflage  was,  perplex'd 
With  rugged  recks  on  which  the  raving  tide 
By  fudden  burfls  of  angry  tempefts  vex'd 
Oft  daih'd  the  youth,  whofe  firength  mote  ill  abide 
With  head  up-lifted  o'er  the  waves  to  ride. 
Whence  many  wearied  ere  they  had  o'er-paft 
The  middle  ftream  (for  they  in  vain  have  tried) 
Again  return'd  *  aftounded  and  aghaft; 
Ne  one  regardful  look  would  ever  backward  call. 

XXXIIL 
Some,  of  a  rugged,  more  enduring  frame. 
Their  toilfome  courfe  with  patient  pain  purfued  ; 
And,  though  with  many  a  bruife  and  f  muchel  blame. 
Eft  hanging  on  the  rocks,  and  eft  embrued 
Deep  in  the  muddy  ftream,  with  hearts  fubdued 
And  quail'd  by  labour,  gain'd  the  fhore  at  lall. 
But  in  life's  pradic  :J:  lear  unikill'd  and  rude. 
Forth  in  that  forked  hill  they  filent  pac'd; 
Where  hid  in  ftudious  fhades  their  fruitless  hours  they 
wafte. 

XXXIV. 
Others  of  rich  and  noble  lineage  bred. 
Though  with  the  crowd  to  pafs  the  flood  conllrain'd. 
Yet  o'er  the  crags  with  fond  indulgence  led 
By  hireling  guides  and  in  all  depths  fuilain'd, 

•  Aftounded,  aftonifli'd.  f  Muchel,  much; 

X  Lear,  learning. 

Skimmed 


EDUCATION.  301 

Sklmm'd  lightly  o'er  the  tide,  undipt,  unftain'd. 
Save  with  the  fprinlding  of  the  watery  fpray. 
And  aye  their  proud  prerogative  maintain'd. 
Of  ignorance  and  eafe,  and  wanton  play. 

Soft  harbingers  of  vice,  and  premature  decay. 
XXXV. 
A  few,  alas,  how  few !  by  heaven's  high  will 
With  fubtle  fpirits  endow'd  and  finews  ftrong, 
"*  Albe  fore  f  mated  by  the  tempefts  fhrill. 
That  bellow'd  fierce  and  rife  the  rocks  among. 
By  their  own  native  vigour  borne  along 
Cut  briflcly  through  the  waves ;  and,  forces  new 
Gathering  from  toil,  and  ardor  from  the  throng 
Of  rival  youths,  outftript  the  labouring  crew. 

And. to  the  true  I  Parnafle  and  heaven-throng'd  glory 
flew. 

XXXVI. 
Dire  was  the  tumult,  and  from  every  Ihore 
Difcordant  echoes  ftruck  the  deafen'd  ear. 
Heart-thrilling  cries,  with  fobs  and  |j  fmgulti  fore 
Short -interrupted,  the  imploring  tear. 
And  furious  ftripes,  and  angry  threats  fevere, 
Confus'dly  mingled  with  the  jarring  found 
Of  all  the  various  fpeeches  that  §  while-ere 
On  Shinar's  wide-fpread  champain  did  aftound 

High  Babel's   builders  vain,  and  their  proud  works 
confound. 

•  Albe,  although.  f  Mated,  amazed,  feared. 

%  Parnafie,  Parnaflus.  |j  Singults,  fighs; 

§  While-cre,  formerly, 

XXXVII.  Much 


30Z  WEST'S     P  O  E  M  S. 

XXXVII. 
Much  was  the  knight  empaflion'd  at  the  fcene. 
But  more  his  blooming  fon,  whofe  tender  breaft 
Empierced  deep  with  fympathizing  teen 
On  his  pale  cheek  the  figns  of  drad  imprefs'd. 
And  fiU'd  his  eyes  with  tears,  which  fore  dillrefs'd 
Up  to  his  iire  he  rais'd  in  mournful  wife; 
Who  with  fweet  fmiles  paternal  foon  redrefs'd 
His  troublous  thoughts,  and  clear 'd  each  fad  furmifej 
Then  turns  his  ready  fteed,  and  on  his  journey  hies. 

XXXVIII. 
But  far  he  had  not  march'd  ere  he  was  Hay'd 
By  a  rude  voice,  that  like  th'  united  found 
Of  {houting  myriads,  through  the  valley  bray'd. 
And  fhook  the  groves,  the  floods,  and  folid  ground 
The  dillant  hills  rebellow'd  all  around. 
*'  Arreit,  Sir  Knight,  it  cried,  thy  fond  career, 
*'  Nor  with  prefumptuous  difobedience  wound 
"  That  aweful  majefly  which  all  revere  ! 
«  In  my  commands.  Sir  Knight,  the  voice  of  nations 
"  hear!" 

XXXIX. 
Quick  turn'd  the  Knight,  and  faw  upon  the  plab 
Advancing  tow'rds  him  with  impetuous  gait. 
And  vifage  all  inflam'd  with  fierce  difdain, 
A  luonllrous  Giant,  on  whofe  brow  elate 

Shone 


E    D.   U    C     A    T    I    O    N.,;  303 

Shone  the  bright  enfign  of  imperial  ftate; 
Albeit  lawful  kingdom  he  had  none ; 
But  laws  and  kingdoms  wont  he  oit  create. 
And  oft'times  over  both  ereft  his  throne, 

While  fenates,  priefts  and  kings  his  *  fovran  fceptre 
own. 

XL. 
Cuftom  he  height ;  and  aye  in  every  land 
Ufurp'd  dominion  with  defpotic  fway 
O'er  all  he  holds;  and  to  his  high  command 
Conftrains  even  ftubborn  Nature  to  obey ; 
Whom  difpofTeffing  oft,  he  doth  afTay 
To  govern  in  her  right :  and  with  a  pace 
So  foft  and  gentle  doth  he  win  his  way. 
That  fhe  unwares  is  caught  in  his  embrace. 

And  though  deflower'd  and  thrall'd  nought  feels  het" 
foul  difgrace. 

XLL 
For  nurturing,  even  from  their  tenderefl  age. 
The  docile  fons  of  men  withouten  pain. 
By  difciplines  and  rules  to  every  ftage 
Of  life  accommodate,  he  doth  them  train 
Infenfibly  to  wear  and  hug  his  chain. 
Alfe  his  behefts  or  gentle  or  fevere. 
Or  good  or  noxious,  rational  or  vain. 
He  craftily  perfuade  them  to  revere. 

As  inftitutions  fage,  and  venerable  lear. 

•  Sovran,  for  foverei^n, 

XLII.  Pre^ 


204  WEST'S      POEMS, 

XLII. 
Proteftor  therefore  of  that  forked  hill. 
And  mighty  patron  of  thofe  Sifters  Nine, 
Who,  there  enthron'd,  with  many  a  copious  rlll 
i^'eed  the  full  ftreams,  that  through  the  valley  ftiine. 
He  deemed  was ;  and  aye  with  rites  divine, 
*  Like  thofe,  which  Sparta's  hardy  race  of  yore 
Were  went  perform  at  fell  Diana's  fhrine. 
He  doth  conftrain  his  valTals  to  adore 

Perforce 'their  facred  names,  and  learn  their  facred  lore. 
XLIII. 
And  to  the  fairy  Knight  now  drawing  near. 
With  voice  terrific  and  imperious  mien, 
(All  was  he  wont  lefs  dreadful  to  appear. 
When  known  and  pradlis'd  then  at  diftance  feen) 
And  kingly  ftretching  forth  his  fceptre  fheen. 
Him  he  commandeth,  upon  threaten'd  pain 
Of  his  difpleafure  high  and  vengeance  keen. 
From  his  rebellious  purpofe  to  refrain, 

And  all  due  honours  pay  to  Learning's  reverend  train, 
XLIV. 
So  faying,  and  foreftalling  ail  reply. 
His  peremptory  hand  without  delay. 
As  one  who  little  car'd  to  juftify 
His  princely  will,  long  us'd  to  boundlefs  fway, 

*  The  Lacedemonians,  in  order  to  make  their  children 
hardy,  and  endure  pain  with  conftancy  and  courage, 
■were  accuftomed  tocaufe  them  to  be  fcourged  very  feverely. 
And  I  myfelf  (fays  Plutarch,  in  his  life  of  Lycurgus)  have 
feen  feveral  of  them  endure  whipping  to  death,  at  the  foot 
of  the  altar  of  Diana,  furnamcd  Orthia. 

Upon 


E    D    U    C    A    T    I    6    N.       '305 

Upon  the  Fairy  Youth  with  great  difmay 
In  every  quaking  limb  convuls'd,  he  lay'd  : 
And  proudly  ftalking  o'er  the  verdant  *  lay. 
Him  to  thofe  fcientilic  ftreams  convey'd. 
With  many  his  young  compeers  therein  to  be  f  embay'd. 

XLV. 
The  Knight  his  tender  fon's  diftrefsful  J  ftour 
Perceiving,  fwift  to  his  affiftance  flew  : 
Ne  vainly  ftay'd  to  deprecate  that  power. 
Which  from  fubmiffion  aye  more  haughty  grew. 
For  that  proud  giant's  force  he  wifely  knew. 
Not  to  be  meanly  dreaded,  nor  defy'd 
With  rafh  prefumption ;  and  with  courage  true. 
Rather  than  ftep  from  Virtue's  paths  afide. 
Oft  had  he  fmgly  fcorn'd  his  all-difmaying  pride. 

XLVI. 

And  now,  difdaining  parle,  his  courfer  hot 
He  fiercely  prick'd,  and  couch'd  his  vengeful  fpear ; 
Where-with  the  giant  he  fo  rudely  fmot. 
That  him  perforce  conftrain'd  to  ||  wend  arrear. 
Who,  much  abafli'd  at  fuch  rebuke  fevere. 
Yet  his  accuftom'd  pride  recovering  foon, 
Forth-with  his  mafTy  fceptre  'gan  up-rear; 
For  other  warlike  weapon  he  had  none, 
Ne  other  him  behov'd  to  quell  his  boldeft  §  fone. 

•  Lay,  mead.  f  Embay'd,  bathed,  dipt. 

X  Stour,  trouble,  misfortune,  &c. 
II  Wend  arrear,  move  backwards.        §  Fone,  foes. 
Vol.  LVII.  X  XL VII.  With 


io6 


WEST'S      POEMS. 


XLVII. 
With  that  enormous  mace  the  Fairy  Knight 
So  fore  he  *  bet,  that  all  his  armour  f  bray'd. 
To  pieces  well-nigh  riven  with  the  might 
Of  lb  tempeftuous  ttrokes ;  but  he  was  ftay'd. 
And  ever  with  deliberate  valour  weigh'd 
The  fudden  changes  of  the  doubtful  fray  ; 
From  cautious  prudence  oft  deriving  aid. 
When  force  unequal  did  him  hard  aflay : 
So  lightly  from  his  fteed  he  leapt  upon  the  lay. 

XL  VIII. 

Then  fv/iftly  drawing  forth  his  %  trenchant  blade. 
High  o'er  his  head  he  held  his  fenceful  fliield  ; 
And  warily  forecafting  to  evade 
The  giant's  furious  arm  about  him  wheel'd. 
With  reftlefs  fteps  aye  traverfmg  the  field. 
And  ever  as  his  foe's  intemperate  pride. 
Through  rage  defencelefs,  mote  advantage  yield. 
With  his  fliarp  fword  fo  oft  he  did  him  |(  gride. 
That  his  gold-fandal'dfeet  in  crimfon  floods  were  dy'd. 

XLIX. 
His  bafer  parts  he  maim'd  with  many  a  wound  ; 
But  far  above  his  utmoll  reach  were  §  pight 
The  forts  of  life  :  ne  never  to  confound 
With  utter  ruin,  and  abolifla  quite 


•  Bet,  beat.  t  Bray'd,  refounded, 

$  Trenchant,  cutting.  ..    -  • . 

§  Pight,  placed. 


elounded. 

Gride,  cut,  hacko 


A  power 


EDUCATION.        307 

A  power  fo  puiffant  by  his  fingle  might 
Did  he  prefume  to  hope  :  himfelf  alone 
From  lawlefs  force  to  free,  in  bloody  fight 
He  flood  ;  content  to  bow  to  Cuftom's  throne. 
So  reafon  mote  not  blulTi.  his  fovran  rule  to  own. 

L. 

So  well  he  warded,  and  fo  fiercely  prefs'd. 
His  foe,  that  weary  vex'd  he  of  the  fray  ; 
Yet  *  nould  he  algates  lower  his  haughty  creftj 
But  maflcing  in  contempt  his  fore  difmay, 
DifdainfuUy  releas'd  the  trembling  prey. 
As  one  unworthy  of  his  princely  care  ; 
Then  proudly  calling  on  the  warlike  f  fay 
A  fmile  of  fcorn  and  pity,  through  the  air 
Gan  blow  his  fhrilling  horn  ;  the  blaft  was  heard  afar. 

LI. 

Eftfoons  aflonlfh'd  at  th'  alarming  found. 
The  fignal  of  diflrefs  and  hoftile  wrong, 
Confus'dly  trooping  from  all  quarters  round 
Came  pouring  o'er  the  plain  a  numerous  throng 
Of  every  fex  and  order,  old  and  young  ; 
The  vaflals  of  great  Cuftom's  wide  domain. 
Who,  to  his  lore  inur'd  by  ufage  long. 
His  every  fummons  heard  with  pleafure  fain. 
And  felt  his  every  wound  with  fympathetic  pain. 

*  Nould  he  algates,  would  not  by  any  means, 
t  Fay,  fairy. 

Xz  LII.They 


,  3o8  WEST'S     POEMS. 

LII. 

They,  when  their  bleeding  king  they  did  behold. 
And  {aw  an  armed  Knight  him  ftanding  near. 
Attended  by  that  Palmer  fage  and  bold ; 
Whofe  venturous  fearch  of  devious  truth  while-ere 
Spread  through  the  realms  of  learning  horrors  drear, 
Y-feized  were  at  firft  with  terrors  great ; 
And  in  their  boding  hearts  began  to  fear, 
DifTention  faftious,  controverfial  hate. 

And  innovations  llrange  in  Cuflom's  peaceful  ftate. 
LIII. 
But  when  they  faw  the  Knight  his  fauchion  fheathe. 
And  climbing  to  his  iteed  march  thence  away. 
With  all  hoftile  train,  they  'gan  to  breathe 
With  freer  fpirit,  and  with  afpeft  gay 
Soon  chac'd  the  gathering  clouds  of  black  affray. 
Alfe  their  great  monarch,  cheared  with  the  view 
Of  myriads,  who  confefs  his  fovran  fway. 
His  ruffled  pride  began  to  plume  anew ; 

And  on  his  bugle  clear  a  flrain  of  triumph  blew. 
LIV. 
There- at  the  multitude,  that  flood  around. 
Sent  up  at  once  a  univerfal  roar 
Of  boiilerous  joy  :  the  fudden-burfting  found. 
Like  the  explofion  of  a  warlike  ftore 
Of  nitrous  grain,  th'  afflidled  *  welkin  tore. 
Then  turning  towards  the  Knight,  with  fcofHngs  lewd. 
Heart-piercing  infuks,  and  revilings  fore. 
Loud  burfls  of  laughter  vain,  and  hiffes  rude,  • 

As  through  the  throng  he  pafs'd,  his  parting  ileps  purfued. 

•  Welkin,  iky. 

LV.  Alfe 


E    D    U    C    A    T    I    O    N. 


309 


LV. 
Alfe  from  that  forked  hill  the  boafted'feat 
Of  ftudious  Peace  and  mild  Philofophy, 
Indignant  murmurs  mote  be  heard  to  threat, 
Muftering  their  rage  ;  eke  baleful  Infamy, 
Rouz'd  from  her  den  of  bafe  obfcurity 
By  thofe  fame  Maidens  Nine,  began  to  found 
Her  brazen  trump  of  blackening  obloquy : 
While  Satire,  with  dark  clouds  encompaft  round> 

Sharp,  fecret  arrows  fhot,  and  aim'd  his  back  to  wound. ; 
LVI. 
But  the  brave  Fairy  Knight,  no  whit  difmay'd. 
Held  on  his  peaceful  journey  o'er  the  plain  j 
With  curious  eye  obferving,  as  he  ftray'd 
Through  the  wide  provinces  of  Cuftom's  reign, 
What  mote  afrefh  admonifh  him  remain 
Faft  by  his  virtuous  purpofe  ;  all  around 
So  many  objedls  mov'd  his  juft  difdain  ; 
Him  feem'd  that  nothing  ferious,  nothing  founcL 

In  city,  village,  bower,  or  caftle,  mote  be  found, 
LVIL 
In  village,  city,  caltle,  bower,  and  hall. 
Each  fex,  each  age,  each  order  and  degree. 
To  vice  and  idle  fpcrt  abandon'd  all. 
Kept  one  perpetual  general  jubilee, 
Ne  fufrer'd  ought  dilturb  their  merry  glee .; 
Ne  fenfe  of  private  lofs,  ne  public  woes, 
Reilraint  of  law,  religion's  drad  decree, 
Inteftine  defolation,  foreign  foes,. 

Nor  hcaven'3  tempciluous  threats,  nor earth*sconvul five 
tlxroes. 

X  ;  LVIII.  I?at 


3to 


W  E  S  T  *  S     P  O  E  M  S- 


LVIII. 

But  chiefly  they  whom  Heaven's  difpofing  hand 
Had  feated  high  on  Fortune's  upper  ftage  ; 
And  plac'd  within  their  call  the  facred  band 
That  waits  on  Nurture  and  Inftruftion  fage. 
If  happy  their  wife  *  heits  mots  them  engage 
To  climb  through  knowledge  to  more  noble  praife ; 
And  as  they  mount,  enlighten  every  age 
With  the  bright  influence  of  fair  Virtue's  rays  ; 
Which  from  the  awful  heights  of  Grandeur  brighter 
blaze. 

LIX, 

They,  O  perverfe  and  bafe  ingratitude  ! 
Defpifmg  the  great  ends  of  Trovidence, 
For  which  above  their  mates  they  were  endued 
With  wealth,  authority,  and  eminence^ 
To  the  low  fervices  of  brutal  fenfe 
Abus'd  the  means  of  pleafures  more  refin'd>. 
Of  knowledge,  virtue,  and  beneficence  ; 
And,  fettering  on  her  throne  th'  immortal  mind. 
The  guidance  of  her  realm  to  paffions  wHd  refign'd. 

LX, 
Hence  thoughtlefs,  fhamelefs>  recklefs,  fpiritlefs^ 
Nought  worthy  of  their  kind  did  they  eflay  ; 
Eut  or  benumb'd  v/ith  palfied  Idlenefs 
In  meerly  living  loiter'd  life  away. 


Hells,  behefts,  precepts,  commands. 


Or, 


EDUCATION.        311 

Or,  by  falfe  tafte  of  pleafure  led  aftray, 
For-ever  wandering  in  the  fenfual  bowers 
Of  feverilh  Debauch,  and  luftful  Play, 
Spent  on  ignoble  toils  their  aclive  powers. 

And  with  untimely  blafls  difeas'd  their  vernal  hours. 
LXI. 
Ev'n  they  to  whom  kind  Nature  did  accord 
A  frame  more  delicate,  aid  purer  mind. 
Though  the  foul  brothel  and  the  wine-ftain'd  board 
Of  beaftly  Comus  loathing  they  declin'd. 
Yet  their  foft  hearts  to  idle  joys  refign'd ; 
Like  painted  infefts,  through  the  fummer-air 
With  random  flight  aye  ranging  unconfin'd  ; 
And  tafting  every  flower  and  blofibm  fair, 

WithoiJten  any  choice,  withouten  any  care. 
LXIL 
For  choice  them  needed  none,  who  only  fought 
With  vain  amufements  to  beguile  the  day ; 
And  v/herefore  fliould  they  take  or  care  or  thought. 
Whom  Nature  prompts,  and  Fortune  calls  to  play  ? 
"  Lords  of  the  earth,  be  happy  as  ye  may  !" 
So  learn'd,  fo  taught  the  leaders  of  mankind  j 
Th'  unreafoning  vulgar  willingly  obey. 
And,  leaving  toil  and  poverty  behind. 

Ran  forth  by  different  ways  the  blifsful  boon  to  find.^ 
LXIII. 
Nor  tedious  was  the  fearch ;  for  every  where. 
As  nigh  great  Cuilom's  royal  towers  the  Knight 
Pafs'd  through  th'  adjoining  hamlets,  mote  he  hear 
The  merry  voice  of  feftival  Delight 

X  4  SaTudng^ 


312  WEST'S    POEMS., 

Saluting  the  return  of  morning  bright 
With  matin-revels,  by  the  mid-day  hoars 
Scarce  ended ;  and  again  with  dewy  night,  • 

In  cover'd  theatres,  or  leafy  bowers. 

Offering  her  evening-vows  to  Pleafure's  joyous  powers, 
LXIV. 
And  ever  on  the  way  mote  he  efpy 
Men,  women,  children,  a  promifcuous  throng     •. 
Of  rich,  poor,  wife  and  fimple,  low  and  high. 
By  land,  by  water,  pafiing  aye  along 
With  mummers,  antics,  mufic,  dance,  and  fong. 
To  Pleafure's  numerous  temples,  that  befide 
The  gliftening  ftreams,  or  tufted  groves  among. 
To  every  idle  foot  Itood  open  wide. 

And  every  gay  defure  with  various  joys  fupplied. 
LXV. 
For  there  each  earth  with  diverfe  charms  to  move. 
The  fly  inchantrefs  fummon'd  all  her  train : 
Alluring  Venus,  queen  of  vagrant  love. 
The  boon  companion  Bacchus,  loud  and  vain. 
And  tricking  Hermes,  god  of  fraudful  gain. 
Who,  when  blind  Fortune  throws,  direfts  the  die. 
And  Phoebus  tuning  his  foft  Lydian  ftrain 
To  wanton  motions,  and  the  lover's  figh. 

And  thought-beguiling  Ihevv,  and  malking  revelry.       , 
LXVI. 
Unmeet  affociates  thefe  for  noble  youth. 
Who  to  true  honour  meaneth  to  afpire  ; 
And  for  the  works  of  Virtue,  Faith,  and  Truth, 
Would  keep  his  manly  faculties  entire. 

The 


I 


EDUCATION.  313 

The  which  avizing  well,  the  cautious  fire 
From  that  foft  fyren  land  of  Pleafaunce  vain. 
With  timely  hafte  was  minded  to  retire, 
*  Or  ere  the  fweet  contagion  mote  attain 
His  fon's  unpratlis'd  heart,  yet  free  from  vicious  ftain, 

LXVII. 
So  turning  from  that  beaten  road  afide. 
Through  many  a  devious  path  at  length  he  pac'd. 
As  that  experienc'd  Palmer  did  him  guide. 
Till  to  a  mountain  hoare  they  came  at  laft  j 
Whofe  h;gh-rais'd  brows  with  fylvan  honours  grac'd,^ 
Majellically  frown 'd  upon  the  plain. 
And  over  all  an  awful  horrour  cart. 
Seem'd  as  thofe  villas  gay  it  did  difdain, 
"Which  fpangled  all  the  vale  like  Flora's  painted  train* 

D^VIII. 
The  hill  afcended  ftrait,  ere -while  they  came 
To  a  tall  grove,  whofe  thick-embowering  Ihade, 
Impervious  to  the  fun's  meridian  flame, 
Ev'n  at  mid-noon  a  dubious  twilight  made; 
Like  to  that  fober  light,  which,  difarry'd. 
Of  all  its  gorgeous  robe,  with  blunted  beams,. 
Through  windows  dim  with  holy  ads  pourtray'd. 
Along  fome  cloilter'd  abbey  faintly  gleams, 
Abftrafting  the  rapt  thought  from  vain  earth-mufing 
themes. 

*  Or  ere,  before. 

LXIX.  Be- 


314  W  E  S  T'S    P  O^E  M  31      • 

LXIX. 

Beneath  this  high  o'er-arching  canopy 
Of  cluftering  oaks,  a  fylvan  colonnade. 
Aye  liftening  to  the  native  melody 
■  Of  birds  fweet-echoing  through  the  lonely  fhade. 
On  to  the  centre  of  the  grove  they  ftray'd  ; 
Which,  in  a  fpacious  circle  opening  round. 
Within  its  fheltering  arms  fecurely  laid, 
Difclos'd  to  fudden  view  a  vale  profound. 
With   Nature's   artlefs    fmiles    and   tran(iuil   beauties 
crown'd. 

LXX. 
There,  on  the  bafis  of  an  ancient  pile, 
Whofe  crofs-furmounted  fpire  o'erlook'd  the  woodj 
A  venerable  Matron  they  ere-while 
Difcover'd  have,  befide  a  murmuring  flood 
Reclining  in  right  fad  and  penftve  mood. 
Retir'd  within  her  own  abftrafted  breaft. 
She  feem'd  o'er  various  woes  by  turns  to  brood; 
The  which  her  changing  chear  by  turns  expreft. 
Now  glowing  with  difdain,  with  grief  now  *  over-keft. 

LXXI. 

Her  thus  immers'd  ai  anxious  thought  profound 
When-as  the  Knight  perceiv'd,  he  nearer  drew> 
To  weet  what  bitter  bale  did  her  attound. 
And  whence  th'  occanon  of  her  anguifh  grew. 

*  Over-keft,  for  over-caIt= 

E'or 


EDUCATION.  315 

For  that  rigKt  noble  Matron  well  he  knew; 
And  many  perils  huge,  and  labours  fore. 
Had  for  her  fake  endur'd ;  her  vaffal  true, 
Train'd  in  her  love,  and  pra£lis'd  evermore 
Her  honour  to  refpeft,  and  reverence  her  lore. 

LXXIL 
€>  deareft  drad  !   he  cried,  fair  ifland  queen  I 
Mother  of  heroes  !   Emprefs  of  the  Main  ! 
What  means  that  ftorray  brow  of  troublous  teen  ? 

*  Sith  heaven-born  Peace,  with  all  her  fmiling  train 
Of  fciences  and  arts,  adorns  thy  reign 

With  wealth  and  knowledge,  fplendour  and  renown  ? 
Each  port  how  throng'd !  how  fruitful  every  plain  ' 
How  blithe  the  country  !  and  how  gay  the  town  1 
Wiiile  Liberty  fecures  and  heightens  every  boon  1 

LXXUL 
Awaken'd.  from  her  trance  of  penfive  woe 
'By  thefe  fair  flattering  words,  fhe  rais'd  her  header. 
And,  bending  on  the  Knight  her  frowning  brow,. 
Mock'ft  thou  my  ferrows.  Fairy  Son  ?  flie  faid». 
Or  is  thy  judgment  by  thy  heart  milled 
To  deem  that  certain,  which  thy  liopes  fuggeft  f- 
To  deem  them  full  of  life  and  f  luftiliead, 
Whofe  cheeks  in  Hebe's  vivid  tints  are  dreft^ 
And  with   Joy's   carelefs  mien>  and  dimpled  fmiles 
impreft  ? 

*  Sith,  fmce.        I  Luflihead,  ftrong  heahh,  vigour;. 

LXXIY,  Thy 


3i6  W  E  S  T  '  S     P  O  E  M  S, 

LXXIV. 
Thy  unfufpeding  heart  how  nobly  good 
I  know,  how  fanguine  in  thy  country's  caufe  ! 
And  mark'd  thy  virtue,  fingly  how  it  flood 
Th'  affaults  of  mighty  Cuftom,  which  o'erawes 
The  faint  and  timorous  mind,  and  oft  withdraws 
From  Reafon's  lore  th'  ambitious  and  the  vain 
By  the  fweet  lure  of  popular  applaufe, 
Againft  their  bitter  knowledge,  to  maintain 

The  lawlefs  throne  of  Vice,  or  Folly's  childifh  reign, 
LXXV. 
How  vaft  his  influence  !  how  wide  his  f.vay  ! 
Thyfelf  ere-while  by  proof  didll  underftand : 
And  faw'ft,  as  through  his  realms  thou  took'ftthy  wa)  j. 
How  Vice  and  Folly  had  o'erfpread  the  land. 
And  canft  thou  then,  O  Fairy  Son,  demand 
The  reafon  of  my  woe  ?  or  hope  to  eafe 
The  throbbings  of  my  heart  with  fpeeches  bland. 
And  words  more  apt  my  forrows  to  increafe. 

The  once-dear  names  of  Wealth,  and  Liberty,  and  Peace? 
LXXVI. 
Peace,  Wealth,  and  Liberty,  that  noble  ft  boon. 
Are  bleffings,  only  to  the  wife  and  good. 
To  weak  and  vicious  minds  their  worth  unknown. 
And  thence  abus'd  but  ferve  to  fumifh  food 
For  riot  and  debauch,  and  fire  the  blood 
With  high-fpic'd  luxury ;  whence  Strife,  Debate^ 
Ambition,  Envy,  Faftion's  viperous  brood. 
Contempt  of  order,  manners  profligate 

The  fymptoras  of  a  foul,  difeas'd,  and  bloated  ftate. 

LXXVIL  Ev'a 


EDUCATION.  317 

LXXVII. 
Ev'n  Wit  and  Genius,  with  their  learned  train 
Of  Arts  and  Mufes,  though  from  Heaven  above 
Defcended,  when  their  talents  they  profane 
To  varniflu  Folly,  kindle  wanton  Love, 
And  aid  excentric  fceptic  Pride  to  rove 
Beyond  celeflial  Truth's  attraftive  fphere. 
This  moral  fyftem's  central  fun,  aye  prove 
To  their  fond  votaries  a  curfe  fevere. 

And  only  make  mankind  more  obilinately  err. 
LXXVIII. 
And  ftand  my  fons  herein  from  cenfure  clear  ? 
Have  they  confider'd  well,  and  underftood. 
The  ufe  and  import  of  thofe  bleffings  dear. 
Which  the  great  Lord  of  Nature  hath  beftow'd  . 
As  well  to  prove,  as  to  reward  the  good  ? 
Whence  are  thefe  torrents  then,  thefe  billowy  feas 
Of  vice,  in  which,  as  in  his  proper  flood. 
The  fell  Leviathan  licentious  plays. 

And  upon  Ihipwreck'd  Faith  and  fmking  Virtue  preys  ? 
LXXIX. 
To  you,  ye  Noble,  Opulent  and  Great  • 
With  friendly  voice  I  call,  and  honefl:  zeal ! 
Upon  your  vital  influences  wait 
The  health  and  ficknefs  of  the  commonweal ; 
The  maladies  you  caufe,  yourfelves  muil:  heal. 
In  vain  to  the  unthinking  harden'd  crowd 
Will  Truth  and  Reafon  make  their  jufl:  appeal; 
In  vain  will  facred  Wifdom  cry  aloud; 

And  Juftice  drench  in  vain  her  vengeful  fword  in  blood, 

LXXX.  With 


3i8  WEST'S     POEMS. 

LXXX. 

With  you  mufl  reformation  firfl:  take  place: 
You  are  the  head,  the  intelleftual  mind 
Of  this  vaft  body  politic ;  whole  bafe, 
And  vulgar  limbs,  to  drudgery  confign'd. 
All  the  rich  Itores  of  Science  have  refign'd 
To  you,  that  by  the  craftfman's  various  toil. 
The  fea-vvorn  mariner,  and  fweating  hind. 
In  peace  and  affluence  raaintain'd,  the  while 

You,  for  yourfelves  and  them,  may  drefs  the  mental  foil. 
LXXXI. 
Bethink  you  then,  my  children,  of  the  truft 
In  you  repos'd:  ne  let  your  heaven-born  mind 
Confume  in  pleafure,  or  unadive  ruft; 
But  nobly  roufe  you  to  the  tafk  afiign'd. 
The  godlike  tafk  to  teach  and  mend  mankind : 
.  Learn,  that  ye  may  inllruct :  to  virtue  lead 
Yourfelves  the  way  :  the  herd  will  crowd  behind. 
And  gather  precepts  from  each  worthy  deed : 
«^  Example  is  a  lefTon.  that  all  men  can  read." 
LXXXIL 
But  if  (to  all  or  moil  I  do  not  fpeak) 
In  vain  and  fenfual  habits  now  grown  old. 
The  ftrong  Circsan  charm  you  cannot  breaks 
Nor  re-aiTume  at  will  your  native  *  mould. 
Yet  envy  not  the  ftate  you  could  not  hold ; 
And  take  compaffion  on  the  rifing  age  : 
In  them  redeem  your  errours  manifold; 
And,  by  due  difcipline  and  nurture  fage. 

In  Virtue's  lore  betimes  you  docile  fons  engage. 

*  Mould,  fhape,  form. 

LXXXIIT.  You 


EDUCATION.  319 

LXXXTII. 
You  chiefly,  who  like  me  in  fecret  mourn 
The  prevalence  of  Cuftom  lewd  and  vain ; 
And  you,  who,  though,  by  the  rude  torrent  borne 
Unwillingly  along,  you  yield  with  pain 
To  his  behefts,  an  act  what  you  difdain. 
Yet  nourifh  in  your  hearts  the  generous  love 
Of  piety  and  truth,  no  more  reftrain 
The  manly  zeal;  but  all  your  fmews  move 

The  prefent  to  reclaim,  the  future  race  improve  I 
LXXXIV. 
Eftfoons  by  your  joint  efforts  (hall  be  quell'd 
Yon  haughty  Giant,  who  fo  proudly  fways 
A  fceptre  by  repute  alone  upheld; 
Who  where  he  cannot  dictate  ftrait  obeys. 
Accuftom'd  to  conform  his  flattering  phrafe 
To  numbers  and  high-plac'd  authority. 
Your  party  he  will  join,  your  maxims  praife. 
And,  drawing  after  all  his  menial  fry. 

Soon  teach  the  general  voice  your  aft  to  ratify. 
LXXXV. 
Ne  for  the  atchievement  of  this  great  emprize 
I'he  want  of  means  or  counfel  may  ye  dread. 
From  my  Twin-daughters'  fruitful  wombs  fhall  rife 
A  race  of  letter'd  fages,  deeply  read 
In  Learning's  various  writ :  by  whom  y-led 
Through  each  well-cultur'd  plot,  each  beauteous  grove, 
Where  antique  Wifdom  whilom  wont  to  tread. 
With  mingled  glee  and  profit  may  ye  rove. 

And  cull  each  virtuous  plant,  each  tree  of  knowledge 
prove. 

LXXXVI.  Your- 


320  WEST'S     POEMS. 

LXXXVI. 
Yourfelves  with  virtue  thus  and  knowledge  fraught 
Of  what,  in  ancient  days  of  good  or  great 
Hiftorians,  bards,  philofophers,  have  taught; 
Join'd  with  whatever  elfe  of  modern  date 
Maturer  judgment,  fearch  more  accurate, 
Difcover'd  have  of  Nature,  Man,  and  God, 
May  by  new  laws  reform  the  time-worn  ftate 
Of  cell-bred  difcipline,  and  fmoothe  the  road 
That  leads  thro'  Learning's  vale  to  Wifdom's  bright 
abode. 

LXXXVIL 
By  you  invited  to  her  fecret  bowers. 
Then  fhall  Psida  reafcend  her  throne 
With  vivid  laurels  girt  and  fragrant  flowers ; 
While  from  their  forked  mount  defcending  down 
Yon  fupercUious  pedant  train  fhall  own 
Her  empire  paramount,  ere-long  by  her 
Y -taught  a  leffon  in  their  fchools  unknown, 
"  To  Learning's  richeft  treafures  to  prefer 
«  The  knowledge  of  the  world,  and  man's  great  bufmefs 
"  there." 

LXXXVIIL 
On  this  prime  fcience,  as  the  fin^l  end 
Of  all  her  difcipline  and  nurturing  care. 
Her  eye  Paedia  fixing  aye  fhall  bend 
Her  every  thought  and  effort  to  prepare 
Her  tender  pupils  for  the  various  war. 
Which  Vice  and  Folly  fhall  upon  them  wage. 
As  on  the  perilous  march  of  life  they  fare 
With  prudent  lore  fore-arming  every  age 
'Gainft  Pleafure's  treacherous  joys,  and  Pain's  embattled 
rage.  LXXXIX.  Then 


EDUCATION.         321 

LXXXIX. 

Then  ihall  my  youthful  fons,  to  Wifdom  led. 
By  fair  example  and  ingenuous  praife. 
With  willing  feet  the  paths  of  Duty  tread; 
Through  the  world's  intricate  or  rugged  ways 
Conduced  by  Religion's  facred  rays; 
Whofe  fou! -invigorating  influence 
Shall  purge  their  minds  from  all  impure  allays 
Of  fordid  felfiflinefs  and  brutal  fenfe. 

And  fvvell  th'  ennobled  heart  with  blefs'd  benevolence. 
XC. 
Then  alfo  fhall  this  emblematic  pile. 
By  magic  whilom  fram'd  to  fympathize 
With  aU  the  fortunes  of  this  changeful  ifle. 
Still,  as  my  fons  in  fame  and  virtue  rife. 
Grow  with  their  growth,  and  to  th'  applauding  fkici; 
Its  radiant  crofs  uplift  j  the  while,  to  grace 
The  multiplying  niches,  frefh  fupplies 
Of  worthies  fhall  fucceed,  with  equal  pace 

Aye  following  their  fires  in  virtue's  glorious  race. 
XCT. 
Fir'd  with  th'  idea  of  her  future  fame. 
She  rofe  majeftic  from  her  lowly  Head ; 
While  from  her  vivid  eyes  a  fparkiing  ilame^ 
Out-beaming,  with  unwonted  light  o'erfpread 
That  monumental  pile ;  and  as  her  head 
To  every  front  Ihe  turn'd,  difcover'd  round 
The  venerable  forms  of  heroes  dead  ; 
Who,  for  their  various  merit  erll  renown 'd. 

In  this  bright  fane  of  glory  Oir'nec  of  honour  foa'.  1. 
Vor..  LVJI.  Y"  XCir.On 


322  WEST'S     POEMS, 

XCII. 

On  thefe  that  royal  dame  her  ravifh'd  eyes 
Would  often  feaft ;  and  ever  as  fhe  fpy'd 
Forth  from  the  ground  the  lengthening  ftrufture  rife 
With  new-plac'd  ftatues  deckM  on  every  fide. 
Her  parent-breaft  would  fwell  with  generous  pride. 
And  now  with  her  in  that  fequefter'd  plain. 
The  Knight  awhile  conftraining  to  abide. 
She  to  the  Fairy  Youth  with  pleafure  fain 
Thofe  fulptur'd  chiefs  did  fhew,  and  their  great  lives 
explain. 

FATHER  FRANCIS'S   PRAYER, 

Written  in  Lord  Westmorland's  HermltagCj 

"KJE  gay  attire,  ne  marble-hall, 
"^       Ne  arched  roof,  ne  piftur'd  wall  f 
Ne  cook,  of  Fraunce,  ne  dainty  board, 
Beftow'd  with  pyes  of  perigord  ; 
Ne  power,  ne  fuch  like  idle  fancies, 
Sweet  Agnes,  grant  to  Father  Francis  j 
Let  me  ne  more  myfelf  deceive  ; 
Ne  more  regret  the  toys  I  leave  ; 
The  world  I  quit,  the  proud,  the  vain. 
Corruption's  and  Ambition's  train  ; 
But  not  the  good,  pcrdie,  nor  fair, 
'Gainll  them  1  make  ne  vow,  ne  prayer  j 
But  fuch  aye  welcome  to  my  cell. 
And  oft,  not  always  with  me  dwell  j 

Then 


FATHER  FRANCIS'S  PRAYER.    323 

Then  caft,  fweet  Saint,  a  circle  round. 
And  blefs  from  fools  this  holy  ground  ; 
From  all  the  foes  to  worth  and  truth. 
From  wanton  old,  and  homely  youth  ; 
The  gravely  dull,  and  pertly  gay. 
Oh  banifh  thefe  ;  and,  by  my  fay. 
Right  well  I  ween  that  in  this  age. 
Mine  houfe  Ihall  prove  an  hermitage. 


AN  INSCRIPTION  ON  THE  CELL. 

Beneath  thefe  mofs-grown  roots,  this  ruftic  cell. 
Truth,  Liberty,  Content,  fequefter'd  dwell ; 
Say  you,  who  dare  our  hermitage  difdain. 
What  drawing-room  can  boafl  fo  fan*  a  train  ? 

AN  INSCRIPTION  IN  THE  CELL 

Sweet  bird,  that  fing'ft  on  yonder  fpray, 
Purfue  unharm'd  thy  fylvan  lay  ; 
While  I  beneath  this  breezy  fliade. 
In  peace  repofe  my  carelefs  head  ; 
And  joining  thy  enraptur'd  fong, 
Inftruft  the  world-enamour'd  throng. 
That  the  contended  harmlefs  breaft 
In  folitude  itfelf  is  blelL 


ySCRTP, 


324  W  E  S  T'S    P  O  E  M  S. 

INSCRIPTION  on  a  Summer-house 

Belonging  to  Mr.  We  ST,  atWiCKHAMjinKENT. 

(An  Imitation  of  Ausgnius,  "  Ad  Villain.") 

"KJ  OT  wrapt  in  fmoky  London's  fulphurous  clouds, 
-*-  ^    And  not  far  diftant.  Hands  my  rural  cot : 
Neither  obnoxious  to  intruding  crowds. 
Nor  for  the  good  and  friendly  too  remote. 

And  when  too  much  repofe  brings  on  the  fpleen. 

Or  the  gay  city's  idle  pleafures  cloy  ; 
Swift  as  my  changing  wilh,  I  change  the  fcene  ; 

And  now  the  country,  now  the  town  enjoy. 


CON- 


[    3'S    J 

CONTENTS 

O    F 

WES    T'S      POEM   S. 

ODES      OF     PINDAR. 

'TpHE  firft  Olympick  Ode,        -       -         Page  137 

"*•     Second,         -         -         -         -         -  148 

Third,  -  -  -  -  '159 

Fifth,  -  -  -  -  165 

Seventh,  -  -  -  178 

Eleventh,         -  -  -  -  183 

Twelfth,  -  -  -  -  186 

Fourteenth,  -  -  -  -  190 

The  firft  Pythian  Ode,  -  -  -  194 

The  firft  Nemean  Ode,  -  -  206 

The  eleventh  Nemean  Ode,         -        -         -  213 

The  fecond  Ifthmian  Ode,         -  -         -  220 

The  Song  of  Orpheus,  and  the  fetting  out  of  the 
Argo.     Tranflated  from  the  Argonautics  of 

Apollonius  Rhodius,  -  -  -  225 

The  Story  of  Phineus.     From  the  fame,  229 

The  Hymn  of  Cleanthes,        -  -         .  236 

The  Triumphs  of  the  Gout,  -  241 


326 


CONTENTS. 


On   the  Abufe  of   Travelling.     A  Canto,    in 

Imitation  of  Spenfer,  -  -  Page  263 

Education.     A  Poem :  written  in  Imitation  of 

the  Style  and  Manner  of  Spenfer 's  Fairy  Queen,  285 
Pather  Francis's  Prayer.  Written  in  Lord  Weft- 

morland's  Hermitage,  -         -       •  -  322 

Jnfcription    in   a    Summer-houfe  belonging  to 

Mr.  Weft,  at  Wiokham,  in  Kent,  324 


SKD    OP    vol..    FIFTY-SEVEN. 


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